German Iris Iris x germanica
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Iris germanica
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-riss jer-MAN-ih-kah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Bearded iris is in the Iridaceae (iris) family. This herbaceous, perennial herb comes from the Mediterranean region and is assumed to be the father of many of our current bearded iris cultivars. In fact, it is difficult to find the straight species of this plant for sale in the nursery industry. The genus name Iris is shared by the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and is perhaps a nod to the wide variety of colors of flowers found in this genus.
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.
This iris has been cultivated to include a rich variety of colors 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 offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Corner Roadside Planting Flower Bonanza Garden Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Water Garden at David Caldwell Historic Park Backyard Respite Landscape
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Again, and Again'
Fragrant Reblooming Yellow Flowers - 'Concertina'
- 'Harvest of Memories'
- 'Immortality'
a Reblooming Iris (blooms more than once) - 'Passion & Purity'
Purple & White flowers - 'Sugar Blues'
- 'Tickled Peach'
- 'Again, and Again'
- 'Again, and Again', 'Concertina', 'Harvest of Memories', 'Immortality', 'Passion & Purity', 'Sugar Blues', 'Tickled Peach'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Again, and Again'
Fragrant Reblooming Yellow Flowers - 'Concertina'
- 'Harvest of Memories'
- 'Immortality'
a Reblooming Iris (blooms more than once) - 'Passion & Purity'
Purple & White flowers - 'Sugar Blues'
- 'Tickled Peach'
- 'Again, and Again'
- 'Again, and Again', 'Concertina', 'Harvest of Memories', 'Immortality', 'Passion & Purity', 'Sugar Blues', 'Tickled Peach'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- germanica
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Yugoslavia
- Bulb Storage:
- Not necessary, but if desired, store rhizomes in peat at 35 degrees F (2C).
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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 To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- 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.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Strap-like, overlapping at base, oriented in one plane
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cutting Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- 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.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Irisin, iridin, or irisine
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
