Iris

Incredible Iris Plants At Nature Hills Nursery!

Iris flowers are radiant specimens that come in so many vibrant colors and color combinations

The Iris was named after the Greek Goddess 'Iris', who was considered the Messenger of Love. Often fragrant, always showy, and many Irises are reblooming!

The unique blooms of most Iris resemble the Fleur-de-Lis and have three petals that rise straight up called the Flags or Standards, and three petals that droop down called the Falls. Japanese Iris are the exception, instead forming wide open, flattened blooms. Bearded Iris have fuzzy 'beards' and heavily ruffled petals, Japanese Iris have wide flat petals, and Dutch Iris typically have speckled falls.

About The Iris

The Iris is a hardy herbaceous perennial that grows from fleshy root-like bulbs called rhizomes while others grow from bulbs like Tulips and Muscari. The Iris family includes over 200 varieties including:

• Bearded Iris (aka Tall Bearded Iris and German Iris)
• The Siberian Iris
• Japanese Iris
• Native Louisiana Iris
• Flag Iris
• Dutch Iris

Iris rhizomes sprout gray-green, blue-green, to green sword-like leaves that are held upright in vertical clumps. These perennial plants need a dormant period in the winter, however, some can remain semi-to-fully evergreen in mild winter climates. Found growing throughout USDA planting zones down to 3 and up to 9, Iris are highly adaptable!

Growing & Caring For Irises

Irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow! Plant them in a sunny spot and in well-drained soil. Lighter soils are preferred but if the soil is clay or has poor drainage (which will rot your Iris roots) then plant onto a berm or mound with sloping sides that drain away excess water.

The most important and unexpected thing to remember when planting an Iris rhizome is to be sure to leave the very top third of the rhizome uncovered and exposed to the air/sun. Bulbous Dutch Iris however should be planted a few inches below the soil surface as you would other bulbs.

Mulching around the plants will help keep out weeds, hold in soil moisture, and insulate the roots. In the winter, cover the rhizomes with a loose layer of leaves, compost and/or arborist bark chips. But remove this layer in the spring to prevent them from being smothered.

Once Bearded Iris plants are established, they do not require much water. Watering during a drought period may be all they will need. However, Flag, Siberian, Louisiana, and Japanese Iris need consistent moisture and can even tolerate high-moisture environments and water gardens.

Fertilize lightly with a bulb or flowering plant fertilizer in the spring.

Deadhead Iris flowering stems after the flowers fade, then trim back the plant in late autumn after the foliage yellows.

It is recommended you divide and reposition your rhizomes every 3-5 years to prevent them from being crowded and to remove any dead rhizomes.

Pest, Deer, squirrels, and rabbits rarely bother with Iris as the roots have a toxic substance that they avoid. However, there will be no shortage of Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds dropping by for a visit!

Dive Into Iris Plants At Nature Hills!

With so many dizzying colors to choose from, the Iris Family has a lot in store for your sunny garden beds and borders! Who says you can only choose just one? Fill your landscape with this easy-to-grow, container garden-sized thrillers, and floral arrangement focal points today and begin enjoying all the perks the illustrious Iris can offer!