Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Cat's Eye'
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Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris - Bare Root Iris is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
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This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring, Summer

Growing Zones 4-9
Isn't there some mystical and mesmerizing about a cat's eye? Well, the Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris (Iris germanica 'Cat's Eye') captures that same sense of beauty and arresting interest. This iris is truly one of the most stunning and unique around. With dynamic colors and a striking pattern, you will find yourself mesmerized by its allure and intricacy!
Just one look at the Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris and you'll be captivated! This type of German Iris features blood-red falls with hibiscus-pink edges and black veins. These spectacular blooms also have violet and brown beards and mauve standards with deep red veins.
With a Cat's Eye Iris, late spring becomes a multi-colored show that will dazzle any passersby or pollinator! The Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris isn't done showing off when the flowers fade either. The lovely foliage is upright and the slender leaves are long, sword-like, and bright green with a hint of violet at their base. Strong, sturdy stems erupt from the center and produce several progressions of lightly scented spicy blooms on each!
We love orchids, but very few gardeners love how fussy they are. If you want a flower that can compete with an orchid's beauty but has the strength and toughness of a common flower, the Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Iris is your answer! Thriving throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9, these smaller Bearded Iris are considered dwarf Iris, growing 15 inches when in flower, and only spreading to about 18 inches at maturity.
Planting and Application:
This unique multi-hued Iris is perfect for mixed Pollinator and Perennial borders, formal and informal Cottage Gardens, cut flower beds, and highlighting hardscape features like birdbaths or a garden bench! These will even add a burst of life to a Rock Garden or in a mixed planter!
The smaller size means it's easy to include this vibrant Iris in even the smallest courtyard, patio planter, or raised garden bed! Use them as fringe along the fronts of the garden bed, or as a row of vertical edging along your foundation planting. The color is amplified in groupings, and you can create formal or informal effects depending on how evenly you space your clusters!
- Intricate & Showy Red & Tropical Pink Blooms With Black Veins
- Showy Violet & Brown Fuzzy 'Beards'
- Vertical Sword-Like Leaves With Purple Bases
- Clump Forming Perennial Rhizomes
- Showy Specimens, Groupings, Garden Texture & Container Thrillers
#ProPlantTips for Care:
While you will want to keep an eye on your Cat's Eye Tall Bearded Irises, they don't require excessive maintenance once they are established. Bearded Iris rhizomes perform best in well-drained soil of most types (including acidic soil, clay, and sandy soil) in a sunny or partially sunny area. All plants appreciate a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch over their roots, especially Iris rhizomes prefer only to be partially covered. They are rabbit, squirrel, and deer-resistant and do well when spent flowers are removed.
Information About Bare Root Iris
Prune your Iris foliage back in late fall near the ground and cover it with an additional layer of mulch. When you plant your Tall Bearded Iris rhizome, mound up soil and leave the top 1/3rd of the rhizome exposed. Note, that it's best to cover the rhizome with a thin layer of mulch or leaves to protect it during the coldest months but make sure to uncover in the spring. Water well for the first year. Irises are best planted from late summer into fall.
Bare root Iris are shipped as nice fresh-cut divisions with two to three fans of green tops. Keep in mind each Iris variety can have slightly different-sized roots.
- Full Sun & Afternoon Shade
- Moderate Moisture Needs
- Well-Drained Rich Soil
- Deadhead After Flowers Fade & Trim Stems in Late Autumn
- Deer, Rabbit & Squirrel Resistant
When you need maximum color and bold hues, look no further than the incredible Cat's Eye Bearded Iris for your landscape! Now available at NatureHills.com!