How can I tell what kind of iris I have?

There are two common types of iris that grow from bulbs and these are easily distinguished from one another by their bloom time. If your plant has a bulb and blooms in early spring along with snow drops and before tulips,it is a reticulata type. If your plant has a bulb and blooms in mid summer it will be a Dutch type.

What are the three types of iris?

Classifications. According to the American Iris Society (AIS), plants fall into three main groups: Bearded, Aril, and Beardless.

How many different varieties of irises are there?

More than 300 species and thousands of cultivars of this showy flowering plant are found in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family. With all the variety available, you shouldn’t have trouble finding an iris type to thrive in your garden environment, even in those with extreme heat and dryness.

What is the most popular iris?

1. Aachen Prince. This early-blooming, tall bearded iris was hybridized in 1986 and has been a popular option ever since.

What is the most beautiful iris?

Iris ‘Conjuration’ (Bearded Iris)

Renowned for its candelabra branching of nicely formed flowers, this is one of the most dramatic and beautiful of the Iris family. Won many major awards, including the prestigious Dykes Medal. 40 inches tall (100 cm).

Should you cut back irises?

‘You should begin cutting irises back after flowering and the blooms have all begun to fade. The remainder of the plant’s foliage should be left until the first signs of frost, however.

What is the rarest color of iris flower?

The black iris is one of the rarest flowers in the world, and displays a very unique mix of colours, it is characterised by a dark purple almost black colour’ with a mesmerizing Lilac hue and a white spot in the middle of the flower.

What is the hardiest iris?

Tall and graceful, Siberian Irises (Iris sibirica) are among the most trouble-free and low-maintenance perennials in the garden. Beloved for their delicate flowers and slim, grasslike foliage, they are hardy and withstand wind, rain, and cold.

Do irises need full sun?

Irises will bloom best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. They can tolerate as little as half a day of sun, but it’s not ideal. Without enough light, they won’t bloom well. Bearded irises must not be shaded out by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.

What is the rarest iris pattern?

Heterochromia. Heterochromia is a rare eye condition where a person’s irises are different colors. There are three types of heterochromia: Complete Heterochromia: One iris is an entirely different color than the other.

What is the difference between Dutch iris and Siberian Iris?

Dutch iris grow from bulbs and can reach 18 to 22 inches tall. They bloom in May and June. Siberians are even taller, rising to as much as 36 inches. Both types bloom in shades of white, cream, purple, blue-purple and yellow.

What’s the difference between Siberian iris and Japanese iris?

Japanese irises (Iris ensata) and Siberian irises (Iris siberica) are similar in appearance, but the flowers are typically larger on Japanese irises, and the plants are 3 to 4 feet tall. Japanese iris foliage also has a very distinct raised central rib, which the Siberians do not.

What is the difference between bearded iris and Siberian Iris?

Siberian iris flowers are considerably smaller than bearded iris and they do not have a beard. They prefer relatively acidic soil and consistent moisture, but will tolerate periods of dry weather.

What is the hardiest iris?

Tall and graceful, Siberian Irises (Iris sibirica) are among the most trouble-free and low-maintenance perennials in the garden. Beloved for their delicate flowers and slim, grasslike foliage, they are hardy and withstand wind, rain, and cold.

What are the small purple irises called?

Dwarf Iris
A native of Turkey and the Caucasian Mountains, Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata) is a four-inch tall beauty (10 cm) with grass-like leaves and a violet-blue or purple flower with yellow markings that bursts into bloom in late winter to early spring to create an effect reminiscent of butterflies hovering low to the ground.

Do irises like wet or dry soil?

Loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in compost or aged manure. Good drainage is critical: Irises prefer “wet feet, but dry knees.” They will not tolerate wet soil in winter.

What month do you cut back irises?

In mid summer, when the plants begin to look ratty, cut all the foliage down by half to create “fans” of leaves. Always cut at an angle. At the end of the growing season, after the leaves have been killed by a few fall frosts, completely remove all foliage. Most of iris diseases overwinter on the leaf debris.

Will iris bulbs multiply?

Bearded iris multiply quickly and the number of fans can triple every year. Clumps that become too dense can start to decline in the middle, and should be dug and divided every 3-4 years.

Do irises need lots of water?

Water: Once established, they are very drought tolerant but would prefer a deep soaking every so often. Constant moisture in warm humid areas will encourage crown rot. Light: Full sun with a minimum of 6 hours to bloom properly. Afternoon shade in hot areas will benefit bloom.

How do you winterize irises?

As blooms die, cut them off. If you trim the leaves, do it in late fall or early winter, but leave them on as long as possible since rhizomes use them to produce food. Once you have trimmed the leaves back, leave the plant alone. If you live in a cold climate, cover the iris bed with mulch or straw for winter.

What are the big pods on my irises?

If the flowers have been pollinated, they will produce seed pods. The pods start out small and green but expand quickly during summer months. When the pods are dry and brown, they split open and the seeds are probably ripe.