German Iris Iris x germanica
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-riss jer-MAN-ih-kah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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This non-native perennial herbaceous herb from the Mediterranean thrives and blooms best in full sun when planted in rich well-drained soil, though plants will tolerate some shade. They do not grow well in heavy clay soil. These are generally tall showy irises with large, single to several blooms rising as much as 3 feet above the leaves on single naked stems. Blooms are 6-parted with 3 outer, spreading or pendent "falls" with yellow beards and 3 inner, erect "standards". The flowers have been cultivated to include a rich variety from blues and purples to shades of pink, yellow, orange, white and black. They have also developed a variety of heights to offer use in all areas of a perennial border from dwarfs and miniatures through medium to tall.
Rhizomes should be planted at soil level or lightly covered and not mulched to prevent over moisture leading to root rot. These iris prefer dryer soil and should not be overwatered. To encourage growth and blooming, the plants should be fertilized in early spring and be divided after flowering (in mid to late summer). This also helps prevent fungal and other diseases, such as crown rot and mosaic virus. 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. The leaves, as in most iris, are strap-like and overlapping at the base forming a clump. The fruit is in the form of a capsule.
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 Flowers Galore Corner Roadside Planting Backyard Respite Landscape Flower Bonanza Garden Davidson County Demo Garden Water Garden Water Wheel
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Concertina'
- 'Harvest of Memories'
- 'Immortality'
a Reblooming Iris (blooms more than once) - 'Sugar Blues'
- 'Concertina'
- 'Concertina', 'Harvest of Memories', 'Immortality', 'Sugar Blues'
- Tags:














































- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Concertina'
- 'Harvest of Memories'
- 'Immortality'
a Reblooming Iris (blooms more than once) - 'Sugar Blues'
- 'Concertina'
- 'Concertina', 'Harvest of Memories', 'Immortality', 'Sugar Blues'
- 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).
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
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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)
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- 1-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
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Strap-like, overlapping at base, oriented in one plane
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cutting Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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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