About
Iris germanica, the bearded iris, is a classic, evergreen perennial with sword-shaped, grey-green leaves and large, ornamental, fragrant flowers in a wide range of colours in May to June. The parent of thousands of named cultivars, it is one of the most widely grown of all border perennials and an enduring cottage-garden favourite.
About the genus
Iris, the irises, are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials producing narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect standard petals. They flower from late winter to early summer in every colour of the rainbow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toTurkey
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained or sharply drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Ideal at the base of a sunny wall
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by dividing irises from midsummer to early autumn, plant immediately in flowering positions
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases