Iris flowers, the reproductive part of Iris species plants, add a strong visual impact to the home gardening space in both soft and bold hues. The blossoms resemble orchids with a display of three petals that stand up and three that hang downward, creating an open appearance. Irises grow best within USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10, but ask your local garden center which species are best for your particular zone.
Description
Iris flowers bloom atop hundreds of species of plants. Depending on the flower you select, iris heights range from 6 inches to 4 feet. Iris plants display "graceful flowers" that grow in every imaginable color, notes the Clemson University Extension. Prized for their hardiness and long life span, iris flowers are accompanied by strong, grassy, strap-like green foliage. Grown as perennials, these flowers provide colorful blooms year after year.
General Care
Irises vary from species to species; determine the care requirements for your particular species. Consider the tall bearded iris, a favorite among first-time gardeners. This iris thrives in full sunlight and extremely well-drained, slightly alkaline soil regardless of the soil type. Tall bearded irises typically bloom on plants that reach a height of 28 to 40 inches. The most popular iris flower, they display ruffled petal borders in blue, pink, orange, yellow, white or red. Though most iris flowers thrive in well-drained soil, other irises like the Louisiana iris prefer wet soil with a neutral or acid pH. This iris displays large red, blue, white or yellow flowers with wide petals; some varieties measure up to 5 feet in height.
Varieties
Consider the wide range of iris species and cultivars when designing your home landscape. The bearded irises are known for their purple or blue blossoms that often display yellow throats. Often classified as either bearded or beardless, those irises categorized as bearded display a fuzzy growth on the bottom petals that, as the name suggests, resembles a beard. Bearded iris stems range in height from 2 inches, for the miniature dwarf bearded iris, to up to 40 inches for the tall bearded iris. These irises display flowers in colors including pink-cream with an apricot border, blue, violet and red. Grow bearded irises in full sunlight and well-drained soil in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10.
Beardless irises include species like the Siberian iris. Siberian irises bloom in white, lavender, yellow or blue, taking on a clumping habit. Consider cultivars for color variety like Butter and Sugar, which displays vivid yellow lower petals and white upper petals. Pink Haze, however, exhibits lavender-pink blooms with a deeper hue on the lower petals and light borders. Grow Siberian irises in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Considerations
Susceptible to pests and diseases, irises need their individual care requirements met as a means of avoiding problems. Examine your iris flowers regularly for any abnormalities. Pests like iris borers can infest your plant, and the most devastating disease of the iris is bacterial soft rot. This disease leads to the decay of the rhizome, or the underground system of the iris plant, which can lead to severe decline or death. If you notice yellowed leaves or an unpleasant scent emanating from your plant, remove and destroy affected plant parts. Contact your local county extension agent for assistance.
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