Iris grown throughout the seasons

26.01.2024 - 15:19 / backyardgardener.com

Iris can be seen growing in early spring and throughout the summer months. Its appearance can be very different from one another with various heights, characteristics, and blossom/leaf color.

There are two kinds of iris that can flourish in this area. Some are formed by bulbs planted deeply in the soil, others growing from rhizomes, which are horizontally half buried. Distinct characteristics also differentiate this family of plants. Blossoms can be one color or more, have plain or ruffled edges, and be heavily veined or not. Petals can fall deeply towards the ground or be more upright, leaves can be various shades of green or variegated with white or yellow, and blooms can be bearded or not.

A “beard” is a term used to describe the marking inside the center of each petal. If an iris is bearded, then the central stripe is usually another color (but not always), reaches halfway down the length of the petal, and has fuzzy hairs growing on it. If a plant is called “beardless”, then this marking is without the hair.

Iris that are formed by bulbs produce thin, grass-like leaves and grow in tight clumps. The many varieties available to the gardener differ dramatically; most grow in drier soils, and some can grow in standing water. There are varieties that bloom in very early spring, such as Iris reticulata, with its bright violet-blue petals, and others that bloom right through the summer. Some need the full sun while others will tolerate part-shade. With all of their distinct features, various groupings placed throughout a flowerbed will provide color for a great length of time.

The most commonly seen iris for standing in water is the Yellow Flag. With its long green-grey, thin leaves arching gracefully, the bright yellow