Irises

Iris is the name of the Greek goddess of the Rainbow and of this large genus of beautiful flowers in a range of sizes and a rainbow of colors. Growing from bulbs or fleshy rhizomatous roots, irises are superb for cutting and borders. For all iris, “standards” are the three erect petals; “falls” are the three pendent, reflexed or spreading petals. The blaze of contrasting color is the “crest,” “blotch” or “signal.” Most irises prefer sun or dappled shade with moderately fertile well-drained soil. All bulbous irises we stock prefer dry soils when dormant in summer.