These irises introduce bold hues to your spring and summer gardens.
With over 300 species and countless hybrids, picking an iris variety to grow can be overwhelming. Irises are usually divided into bearded or beardless and then by root system—bulbs or rhizomes. Then there are subcategories on size, shape of the flower, or species. But with types, irises have showy flowers and sword-like leaves that create strong vertical line. These are ten iris varieties to plant.
1. Bearded Iris
These irises with showy flowers are what most individuals think of when they hear the word « iris. » Bearded irises (Iris × germanica) sport a fuzzy spot on each lower petal. Cold-hardy and reliable, yet tatty by season’s end their foliage can be—don’t cut it back, though. Just insert companion species that bloom later. Height classifications are:
Miniature dwarf: to 8″
Standard dwarf: 8–16″
Intermediate / Border / Miniature tall: 16–27½″
Tall: over 27½″
Carefully check mature height when buying.
Growing Conditions: Part shade to full sun; wet, well-drained soil
Size: 8–36″ tall
Zones: 3–9
2. Japanese Iris
Sleek and beardless, Japanese irises (Iris ensata) love rich, moist soil and being near water features—but not soggy winters. They bloom later than Siberian or bearded ones, with more flat flowers. Plant their rhizomes vertically, tip up.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Size: 2–4 ft tall
Zones: 4–9
3. Siberian Iris
This border or mixed planting choice, Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), produces clumps of showy foliage and delicate flowers. Leaves are attractive after flowering. Rhizomes establish themselves over time and need division every few years to remain robust.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Size: 2–4 ft tall
Zones: 3–8
4. Reticulated Iris
Commonly referred to as netted or dwarf iris, Iris reticulata blooms very early in spring with stems of about six inches high. Up to foot-tall leaves follow flowering. Great in rock gardens, borders, or shallow, wide pots indoors. After midsummer dormancy, the bulbs can be divided.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; rich, well‑drained soil
Size: 6–12″ tall
Zones: 5–9
5. Louisiana Iris
This group has five species (I. fulva, brevicaulis, nelsonii, hexagona, giganticaerulea) that grow in winter and go dormant in summer. Some, like I. giganticaerulea, reach 6 ft tall. Some of these can tolerate shallow water, ideal for low spots or rain gardens.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; rich, loamy, moist, acidic soil
Size: 2–6 ft tall
Zones: 6–10
6. Dutch Iris
A bulbous hybrid (Iris × hollandica) from Spanish and North African sorts. Flowers in early spring, naturalizes readily. Blue, purple, yellow, sometimes orange, or mauve. Leafier leaves differentiate them.
Growing Conditions: Part shade to full sun; varied soils but must drain well
Size: 1–2 ft tall
Zones: 5–9
7. Spanish Iris
A member of the subgenus Xiphium, Spanish irises have narrow stalks and tubular leaves with sepals on top of flower spikes of typical iris flowers in blue or violet with yellow spots. Late spring to early summer is the time for blooming.
Growing Conditions: Part shade to full sun; rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Size: 24–30″ tall
Zones: 5–8
8. Crested Iris
These beautiful native woodland iris (Iris cristata) form low groundcover and are shorter than 12 inches tall. A frilled crest takes the place of the beard on the lower petal. Great for woodland or shady, wet rock gardens.
Growing Conditions: Partial shade; rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Size: 6–12″ tall
Zones: 3–8
9. Aril Iris
Tropical and dry-meadow adapted, aril irises do well in semi-deserts. Their outstanding color places them in a difficult category to grow. Hybrids of bearded irises, arilbred irises better fit into ordinary gardens.
Growing Conditions: Half shade to full sun; superior drainage required
Height: 2–4 ft tall
Hardiness Zones: 4–9
10. Northern Blue Flag Iris
Also Iris versicolor, this robust native perennial has wavy, purple flowers that are multicolored on the same plant. It often occurs in marshes and tolerates 3–4″ of standing freshwater.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; rich, moist soil
Size: 2–3 ft tall
Zones: 3–9
These ten flashy iris varieties add beautiful visual appeal and seasonal interest—each with its own perfect growing location and role in the garden.
