Iris 'Great Lakes'

Also Known As

Iris germanica 'Great Lakes'
Great Lakes Bearded Iris
Great Lakes Iris

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 36"-40"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Iris 'Great Lakes' plant details

Iris 'Great Lakes' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Iris 'Great Lakes'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 36 IN - 40 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cutting garden, edging plant, fragrant, rock garden, sensory garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Iris 'Great Lakes'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

There's a lot more to this iris than a great name. It's Canadian-bred, so you know it's tough, its stems are tall and sturdy, and its profuse, handsome flowers seem to reflect the summer sky. Winner of the Dykes Medal, it was "unquestionably the finest of all blue iris" for decades (Wayside, 1954). With a fragrance that's been compared to magnolias.