Iris × germanica
Bearded iris
Common names: German iris
At a glance
- Light
- Full sun
- Pot size
- from 5 l
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Flowering
- Apr–Jun
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Photo: Za · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Description
The tall bearded iris (Iris × germanica) is one of the most popular perennials in the DACH home garden. Its large, velvety flowers feature a distinctive beard stripe on the falls and appear in almost every shade from white through violet to deep red. It is an excellent choice as a solitary plant in perennial borders, as a cut flower, or as a structural element in cottage gardens and dry beds. In commerce it is sold under many cultivar names such as ‘Jane Phillips’, ‘Immortality’, or ‘Superstition’, all hybrids ultimately derived from European wild species Iris pallida and Iris variegata. The term “Iris barbata” does not denote a separate species but the entire group of bearded irises.
Care instructions
Plant the rhizomes shallowly, with about one‑third exposed above the soil, this is the most common mistake, as the plant needs to warm up in the sun. Bearded iris thrives in full sun, a warm location, with well‑drained, slightly calcareous soil and tolerates summer drought well. After flowering, cut the spent flower stems close to the ground; leave the foliage until autumn. Every three to four years, divide the clumps in summer after flowering, remove the old central cores, and replant the young outer sections, this ensures reliable yearly blooming.
Garden year
FloweringApr–Jun
Soil & site
For your garden
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