Iris is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. They are popular ornamental plants, grown for their showy and often fragrant flowers. Most species of Iris are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, growing from creeping rhizomes or, in the case of bulbous species, underground bulbs. They have long, erect flowering stems which may be simple or branched, solid or hollow, and flattened or have a circular cross-section. The rhizomatous species usually have 3â10 basal sword-shaped leaves growing in dense clumps. The bulbous species have cylindrical, basal leaves. The inflorescences are in the shape of a fan and contain one or more symmetrical six-lobed flowers. These grow on a pedicel or peduncle. The three sepals, which are usually spreading or droop downwards, are referred to as "falls". The three, sometimes reduced, petals stand upright, partly behind the sepal bases. Some smaller iris species have all six lobes pointing straight outwards and they are referred to as "flags". The styles divide towards the apex into petaloid branches.
Planning Your Garden With Iris
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Iris is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Iris is 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Iris plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, meaning they can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for iris is 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown iris plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width. |
| Spacing requirements | Iris plants should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth. |
| Sun tolerance | Iris plants have a high sun tolerance and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. They prefer full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in warmer climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Iris plants generally prefer full sun, but they can tolerate some light shade. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. |
| Water requirements | Iris plants prefer moist soils, but they do not like to be constantly wet. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the summer months, iris plants should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather. In the winter, water them less often, but make sure the soil does not dry out completely. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing iris depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil, and work it into the top 4-6 inches of soil. If the soil is already high in nitrogen, reduce the amount of fertilizer used. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing iris is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Iris is Popular
People enjoy growing iris for many reasons. They are beautiful and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and variety to their landscape. They are also easy to grow and maintain, and their long-lasting blooms make them an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant.
Companion Plants For Iris
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for iris include:
Common Pests For Iris
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow iris, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- japanese beetles
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- spider mites
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
