Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Celestial Explosion'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Iris - Bare Root Iris is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
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.
Click Here to learn more
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Iris highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
-
Brand
-
Botanical Name
-
Growing Zones
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Spread
-
Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
-
Moisture
-
Soil
-
Growth RateMedium
-
Flower Color
-
Pollinator Friendly
-
Fragrant
-
Pruning Time
-
Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
Growing Zones 3-9
Each Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Iris (Iris germanica 'Celestial Explosion') comes in a deep, passionate purple and a galaxy's worth of interest! If you are passionate about purple or you just love flowers that will take your breath away, this type of German Iris has your name all over it!
With flowers fit for a masterpiece and an easy-to-grow nature, the Celestial Explosion Iris is a true winner! It should come as no surprise how striking this Iris is. The green sword-like blades of foliage form in vertical clumps and the strong stems that hold the ruffled and starry flowers aloft wave in the breeze without flopping.
As these blooms develop, they look like they're glowing from the inside because of their golden yellow beards! Pollinators and Hummingbirds adore these heavily scented flowers! With such a stunning complementary color scheme, you'll want to pick up a paintbrush and easel for garden portraits of your own!
It's a cultivar of the Splashacata Iris which won the Dykes Medal. Although, we would argue the Celestial Explosion is even more magnificent with its ravishing purples and yellow beards. The perennial will come back year after year strong and more brilliant. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 9, growing to almost 3 feet in height and forming clumps 18 inches wide.
Planting and Application:
The Celestial Explosion Iris's blooms rival the beauty of van Gogh's Irises. Each petal is saturated in deep violet, easily blending in with purple and black foliage and purple and blue flowers. The blooms' falls feature a painterly pattern of white speckles.
The only question you should have about the Celestial Explosion is if you want to plant it where you will be able to study it up close and take in its heavenly scent! Planters around your patio, as thrillers in mixed porch containers, and around backyard seating areas are ideal locations where you can share its magnetism!
This Iris is perfect for a poolside border or in your cutting garden. Pollinator borders, cut flower beds, and a starry night garden (the dark flower version of a Moon Garden) are ideal locations for these showy spring flowers! If you want to share it with the neighborhood, plant Celestial Explosion along your driveway, foundation, or mailbox for a huge boost of curb appeal without sacrificing space!
- Award-Winning Deep Purple Blooms With White Speckled 'Stars'
- Upright Sword-Like Foliage Clumps
- Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds
- Gorgeous Container Plants & Cut Flower Bouquets
- Showy Night Gardens, Beds & Borders, Specimens & En Masse Displays
#ProPlantTips for Care:
These Bearded Iris grow best in full sun or partial shade, especially enjoying afternoon shade in hot growing zones throughout USDA planting zones 3 to 9. They like well-drained soil of most types and plan to thin them after their third year.
Planting your Bearded Iris rhizomes is simple. Just build up a mound of soil, plant it in the center with the rhizome showing, and water it well while it takes root. It thrives when planted several weeks before the first hard freeze. 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
We're sure you'll fall so passionately in love with your Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Iris. So start your journey by ordering today and enjoy an explosion of purple and a celestial display of beauty with your own Celestial Explosion Tall Bearded Irises from NatureHills.com!
