Bearded iris is in the Iridaceae (iris) family. This herbaceous, perennial herb is a hybrid of ancient natural origin that arose in the Balkan region as a cross between I. pallida and I. variegata . The hybrid epithet is Latin for German, which was mistakenly believed to be the origin of this hybrid. Bearded iris does best in full sun and when planted in rich well-drained soil. While it tolerates some shade it will struggle in heavy clay soils. Rhizomes should be planted at soil level or lightly covered and not mulched. Bearded iris prefers dryer soil; mulching or overwatering could lead to root rot. To encourage growth and blooming, fertilize this plant in early spring and divide in mid- to late summer, after flowering. There are now thousands of cultivars in virtually every color and color combination and a variety of heights from dwarfs and miniatures to medium and tall, making them useful in all areas of a perennial border. With a generally tall stature, this showy iris has large fragrant blooms rising as much as 3 feet above the leaves on single naked stems. Bearded iris makes a great addition to a cutting garden, mass planted in a naturalized area or woodland garden, in the middle of a border, or alongside a walkway or patio. They are quite drought tolerant and very resistant to browsing by deer. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Iris borer is a major insect pest to this plant and can be managed by removing affected roots and foliage immediately, as well as clearing the bed of foliage at the end of the season and division of plants as they become crowded. Blooms should also be removed after they fade. Fungal diseases, crown rot, and mosaic virus are additional problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers", a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Iris .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry | Very Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Sheath
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Strap-like, overlapping at base, oriented in one plane
Flower color
Black; Blue; Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Orange; Pink; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; Variegated; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Showy
Flower detail
Several flowers at the top of a naked stem, 6-parted with 3 outer, spreading or pendent "falls" and 3 inner, erect "standards", cultivars in various colors and patterns.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Yugoslavia
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Naturalized Area; Patio; Small Space; Walkways; Woodland
Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage; Narcissus Bulb Fly; Potato Aphid on Ornamental Plants
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer; Drought
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Roots; Sap/Juice; Seeds
Poison symptoms
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap.