There are hundreds of species of Irises today and the time to plant the bulbs is now in the autumn. It has been said that Irises go back to before the 11th century and the name is derived from the Greek word ‘rainbow’ referring to the wide variety of flower colors that are among the many species of Irises.

This beautiful flower is extensively grown as ornamental plants and the most commonly found garden iris is the bearded German Iris. Other types of hybrids have come along which are crosses between tall and dwarf varieties.

 

The bearded irises are easy to cultivate and propagate and are popular in many gardens. The reason is that these grow in any type of garden soil and a little peat moss. Dwarf irises are early bloomers meaning that these bloom in full from March to May.

It is important to mention that Iris plants have rhizomes (a horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found above or underground) that sit at the top of the soil surface. These rhizomes are used in perfume even today and in medicine during ancient times. I also found out that dried rhizomes are given whole to babies to help in the teething process, and Magellan Gin uses iris root and flower for flavor and color.

There is so much history about this beautiful flower that it is much too much to mention here. For example, the iris has been associated with France as Louis VII adopted it as a symbol in the 12th century. The iris is almost the universal symbol of scouting and one of the symbols adopted by the sorority Kappa Gamma.

In addition to the above, the iris is the symbol of Brussels since historically Saint Gaugericus Island was carpeted in them and the iris is now featured on the flag of the Brussels Capital Region. The iris is also the state flower of Tennessee and featured by many other states.

As you can see, there is enough history about irises to write a book, but the one thing we all agree on is that irises are absolutely beautiful flowers. Here are a few of my favorites.

Iris ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ – Botanical name is Iris x germanica Jennifer Rebecca

This is re-blooming tall bearded iris that re-blooms heavily again in the autumn. It was introduced by Zurbrigg in 1985 and it sets its first and heaviest flush of flowers in late spring. Jennifer Rebecca is known to be a dependable and generous bloomer and has ruffled, fragrant pink tone flowers in the spring and lavender in the fall. It tolerates heat and humidity and grows well in zones 3-10

Iris Louisiana ‘Bold Pretender – Botanical name is the same

Here is a Native American water plant that some gardeners love to plant in ponds and alongside streams. It loves wet, soggy soils that most other perennials like to avoid. The flowers begin in early to midsummer and are two tone red blooms. It has been said that there is no such thing as a true red iris but this variety comes close.  Bold Pretender was bred by Morgan in 1983 and has become a favorite for many gardeners. Plant them in very moist soil, grows well in zones 3-9.

Iris ‘Best Bet’ – Botanical name is iris x germanica Best Bet

Here is another iris that will bloom twice. The first and heaviest bloom is in late spring and then early summer. This gorgeous iris with its light and dark blue combination of colors makes it a highly prized cut flower for arrangements. The plant reaches about 3 feet tall and up to 24 inches wide, and grows well in zones 3-8

Iris x Germanica Immortality – Botanical name is the same

Another beautiful re-bloomer that blooms first in early summer and then again in late summer. This iris was introduced in 1982 and has been the winner of several awards for its unique beauty. It has pure white petals and lemony color beards. Immortality grows just 29 inches tall and spreads about 18 inches wide which is ideal to mix with other taller irises in your garden. It likes full sun and grows well in zones 3-8.

To your gardening success,
Diana

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