Named after the Greek goddess of rainbows, Iris is both the genus and the common name for these lovely perennials. This is also the genus on which the Iridaceae, or iris family, is based. Iris are native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and riverbanks, but the majority of species are actually found in semi-desert areas and rocky mountains. Irises may be rhizomatous perennials or bulbs, with long, blade-like or grassy leaves and flowers in virtually every color of the rainbow, which is thought to be the origin of their name.
Iris come from such a wide range of habitats, they can fit into any garden. Many can be grown in containers or perennial beds and borders, cottage and cutting gardens. Semi-aquatic types like Japanese, Siberian, or Louisiana iris can be grown along pond margins and in rain gardens. Smaller types like the bulbous Iris reticulata irises make great additions to rock gardens. Some species are also grown in rock walls and roof gardens, like Japanese roof iris.
Care for irises is almost as varied as they are. Different species may be adapted to rich loams, clays, or lean, rocky soils, from sun to shade, with some species wanting even moisture all year, some wanting drier winters, and some wanting dry summers. Iris are deer and rabbit resistant but some varieties are attractive to slugs and snails.
437 Results for Iris
Bulb / Corm / Tuber
8a-10b
Height: 8"-10"
Width: 10"
aka Butterfly Iris
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
7b-10b
Height: 18"-24"
Width: 36"-72"
Perennial, Aquatic
4a-9b
Height: 36"-48"
Width: 18"-48"
aka Iris florentina, Iris germanica 'Florentina', Florentine Iris, Orris Root
Perennial
5a-9b
Height: 18"-34"
Width: 18"-36"
aka Iris versicolor 'Gerald Darby'
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aquatic
4a-9b
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 2'-3'
aka Powder Blue Giant Crested Iris
Perennial, Groundcover
3a-9b
Height: 4"-12"
Width: 6"-12"
aka Iris ensata 'Variegata', Japanese Water Iris, Striped Japanese Iris
Perennial, Aquatic
5a-9b
Height: 20"-36"
Width: 20"-36"
aka Iris x louisiana 'Black Gamecock', Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris
Perennial
6a-10b
Height: 24"-60"
Width: 24"-60"
aka Variegated Gladwyn Iris
Perennial
6a-10b
Height: 18"-24"
Width: 18"-24"
aka Petite Japanese iris
Perennial, Groundcover
7a-10b
Height: 10"-12"
Width: 12"-60"
aka Fringed Iris
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
7a-9b
Height: 12"-18"
Width: 12"-18"
aka Iris cretensis 'Kotsifou Gorge', Kotsifou Gorge Winter Iris
Perennial
7a-10a
Height: 4"-6"
Width: 12"-18"
aka Iris sibirica 'Windwood Spring'
Perennial
3a-9b
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'-4'
aka Belamcanda chinensis, Blackberry Lily, Chinese Ixea, Leopard Flower, Leopard Lily
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
5a-10b
Height: 12"-36"
Width: 6"-18"
aka x Pardancanda norrisii 'Sangria', Sangria Candylily, Sangria Orchid Lily
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
5a-10b
Height: 12"-18"
Width: 18"-24"
aka Iris x louisiana 'Red Velvet Elvis', Red Velvet Elvis Louisiana Iris
Perennial
6a-10b
Height: 24"-36"
Width: 18"-48"
aka Iris x louisiana 'Cajun Love', Cajun Love Louisiana Iris
Perennial
6a-10b
Height: 20"-30"
Width: 18"-36"
aka Little Cajun Dwarf Copper Iris
Perennial, Aquatic
6a-10b
Height: 15"-20"
Width: 18"-30"
aka Thompson's Iris
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
9a-10b
Height: 12"
Width: 6"
aka Douglas Iris, Douglas' Iris
Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber
7a-9b
Height: 20"-32"
Width: 18"
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