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Iris (Iris)
While we don’t offer any of the typical bearded iris selections, what we do feature are some really great selections of the easy-to-grow, naturally-occurring species. As a group, iris can range from alpine dryland plants to bog dwellers and from sun to shade, so there is no set of rules for the genus as a whole. We think you will enjoy our listing, which includes some really choice gems this season.
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Iris cristata 'Powder Blue Giant' (Powder Blue Giant Crested Iris)
Part Sun to Shade Zone: 3-9 12" tall Origin: USA
This superb form of our native I. cristata was discovered by Samuel Norris (who created the first pardancandas) of Owensboro, KY, some 37 years ago from a 200-yard long bank of I. cristata in Litchfield, KY. It was registered and named by Joe Pye Weed Gardens, MA, in 1998. The light blue flowers to 3" wide are gigantic for this species. This vigorously spreading form to 1' tall is a superb choice for a dry location in the woodland garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02592
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Iris ensata 'Little Snow Man' (White Japanese Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 25" tall Origin: Japan
I. 'Little Snowman' is a stunning floriferous selection of Japanese iris. Like a flock of doves atop the upright linear green foliage, the 25" tall plants are topped with large flat flowers in early June. Plant Japanese iris in a moist site and divide every 3-5 years for best results...you're sure to like this one! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01717
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Iris ensata 'Pink Frost' (W. Marx 55)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-8, at least 24" tall Origin: Japan
NEW!
Iris ensata 'Pink Frost' is a delightful fast-multiplying shorter selection that makes a 2' tall x 3' wide clump, topped in early June (NC) with a blanket of 6-falled (all 6 petals arch downward instead of upright) mauve pink petals, highlighted by an inner white pattern just above the bright yellow throat. As with all Japanese iris, they perform best if divided every 3-5 years and grown in moist rich soils. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07943
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Iris ensata 'Tora Tora' (Tora Tora Japanese Iris)
SunZone: 5-9 24" tall Origin: Japan
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We bought this because of the unusual name...the term used by the Japanese to indicate the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Not surprisingly, this extraordinarily vigorous selection of Japanese Iris has been a real standout in our garden. The 2' tall clumps are topped in late May (in NC) with a stunning display of large light lavender flowers accented by darker purple veining and a patch of gold near the base of each petal. Moist soil is important for best performance, as is clump division every 3 years. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07299
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Iris ensata 'Umi Botaru' (Umi Botaru Japanese Iris)
SunZone: 5-10 30" tall Origin: Japan
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This Japanese selection of the moisture-loving Iris ensata was introduced prior to 1940, but is still very popular today. I. 'Umi Botaru' is topped in mid-June with 30" tall stalks ending in large purple flowers spattered with flecks of white. Iris ensatas are very durable in all but the driest soils, but really explode when grown in very moist soils or as a marginal aquatic. We recommend dividing Japanese iris every 3-4 years to maintain good flowering. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00991
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Iris ensata 'Variegata' (Striped Japanese Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 20" tall Origin: Japan
If you want to brighten up a garden...aquatic or otherwise, here is your plant. This strikingly beautiful iris has creamy white-and-green, vertically striped, broad foliage. Each clump can reach 20" in height with a similar spread. In late spring, each clump is topped with attractive, pale lavender-blue flowers. Iris ensata is happy in all but the driest of garden soils. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01349
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Iris fulva 'Lois' (Lois's Yellow Copper Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-9, at least 36" tall Origin: USA
NEW!
This unique selection of the native Iris fulva was discovered in northeastern Arkansas's Crittenden County by native plant enthusiast Lois Wilson. Instead of the typically copper colored flower, Iris 'Lois' is adorned in early May (NC) with 3' tall stalks, topped with bright golden yellow flowers. All Iris fulva selections prefer rich moist soils for best growth. Thanks to Larry Lowman of Ridgecrest Nursery in AR for naming and sharing this treasure. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05517
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Iris japonica 'Eco Easter' (Evergreen Japanese Iris)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 7-10 12" tall Origin: China, Japan
This Don Jacobs selection of the easy-to-grow evergreen groundcover Iris japonica was made for its increased hardiness and floriferous nature. Iris japonica is notoriously lacking in floral power, but such is not the case with 'Eco Easter'. The iris fans emerge from spreading rhizomes, similar to Iris tectorum, but considerably faster. In early April in NC, the fans are topped with numerous floral sprays of lavender-blue flowers. Each dainty-looking flower is highlighted by a dramatic yellow throat and adjacent purple markings. The rhizomes grow close to the ground and are easy to extract when you are ready to share. If you've got a difficult shady spot, Iris japonica is for you. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05768
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Iris laevigata 'Variegata' (Striped Water Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 4-9 30" tall Origin: China, Japan, Korea
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When I first saw this many years ago in the famed garden of Pennsylvania's Charles Cresson, I was smitten...I had to have this plant. Finally, we not only have it, but we occasionally have enough to share and this is one of those times...although the quantities are always limited. This stunning water iris boasts wide, cream-and-white striped leaves that hold their color all year. In late May and early June, the vigorous sturdy clumps are topped with light blue, crested iris flowers. I. laevigata needs rich moist soil and grows fine in 6-8" of standing water as an aquatic...a true garden SUPERSTAR! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00283
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Iris nelsonii (Nelson's Iris)
SunZone: 6b-10 48" tall Origin: USA
This unusual southern US native was discovered growing in a swamp in Vermilion Parish, LA, near the town of Abbeville. Although it is thought to have originated as a menage-a-trois between I. fulva, I. brevicaulis, and I. giganticaerulea, it was published as a new species in 1966. I. nelsonii makes a vigorous clump of narrow green foliage, topped in early May with 2" cinnamon-lavender flowers. Either moist soil or up to 4" of standing water suit the plant just fine.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07085
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Iris prismatica (Slender Blue Iris)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 36" tall Origin: USA
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Native from ME south to GA, Iris prismatica is found growing in bogs and marshes. The narrow upright foliage forms rhizomatous clumps topped with narrow-petaled flowers in early May. Our selection is from divisions of a clone from Nash County, NC, having lovely violet-blue flowers with falls (the petals that don't stand upright) that display a nice central white pattern. This is an easy-to-grow native that should be in all gardens where moisture is adequate. In 5 years, you can expect a 3' wide patch. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04150
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Iris unguicularis (Winter Blooming Algerian Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7-9 18" tall Origin: Turkey, Caucasus alternate image
(syn: I. stylosa) The rarely available, winter-blooming Algerian iris is one of our favorites for its ability to flower when few others dare. The narrow green leaves, to only 18" tall, make a dense clump to 18" wide. Starting in October-November (weather permitting), the clumps begin to flower with 2" very fragrant, light lavender-purple flowers...continuing through April (temporarily ceasing when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F). I. unguicularis prefers a dry and well-drained location. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #00923
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Iris unguicularis spp. cretensis (Winter Blooming Iris)
Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7-9 6" tall Origin: Greece
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(syn: I. unguicularis var. angustifolia) Here is a rare opportunity to obtain the dwarf narrow leaf form of the wonderful winter flowering Algerian iris. This Jim and Jenny Archibald collection of I. unguicularis ssp. cretensis is from Lakonia, Greece, south of Areopoli. This population of plants produce short, narrow, grass-like foliage and flowers that open well above the leaves. The clumps are topped from late winter through spring with deep violet flowers...perfect for a special place in the rock garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08021
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Iris versicolor 'Brunswick Beauty' (Brunswick Beauty Blue Flag Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9, guessing 24" tall Origin: USA
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We received this selection from plantsman Jesse Perry, who discovered it in the Green Swamp region of Brunswick County, NC, just north of the town of Supply. When the foliage emerges in spring, the base of the leaves are attractively suffused with dark purple pigment. The clumps are topped in late spring with 2' flower spikes of narrow-petaled, intensely purple flowers...a very nice selection of our native Iris versicolor. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06590
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Iris virginica 'Carl Amason' (Carl Amason Blue Flag Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-9 48" tall Origin: USA
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This unique clone of our native Iris virginica was selected by AR native plant guru, the late Carl Amason, from a population along the Ouachita River in southern AR. It was subsequently named for Carl by another AR plantsman, Larry Lowman. This vigorous 4' tall clone emerges with a nice purple flush to the new foliage and is later topped in early June with mauvy-pink flowers held on black-purple flower stalks. In 2 years, the clump can easily expand to 4' wide...happy in both regular garden soil as well as swamps. Pot size: 2 qt. (1.892 L) #05518
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Iris virginica 'Contraband Girl' (Contraband Girl Giant Blue Flag Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 5-10, at least 72" tall Origin: USA alternate image
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I. virginica 'Contraband Girl' is a very vigorously growing, MASSIVE selection (probably a tetraploid) of our native blue flag water iris. It's so big, we have to beat it back with whips and chains just to keep it confined to its 2-quart pots. When planted, the bold-textured robust clumps, 6' tall x 6' wide (in moist sites), are topped with larger than normal, blue-purple flowers in the spring. Iris 'Contraband Girl' (should have been named "Incredible Hulk-ette") is equally happy in a swamp or in regular garden soil...very easy and incredibly durable! Pot size: 2 qt. (1.892 L) #01350
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Iris x louisiana 'Black Gamecock' (Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris)
SunZone: 6-10, at least 60" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
(Chowning 78) This award-winning iris makes a huge, 5' tall clump of wide, iris-like foliage, topped in early May with stunning, dark blue, Elvis-like, velvet-colored flowers. Louisiana iris grows equally as well in moist soils as in 4" of standing water. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07088
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Iris x louisiana 'Brushfire Moon' (Brushfire Moon Louisiana Iris)
SunZone: 6-10, at least 36" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(Pryor 94) This vigorous selection of Louisiana Iris makes 3' tall x 5' wide clumps in just 3 years when grown in a moist, rich soil...shallow standing water is also just fine. The clumps are topped in late April/early May with 3' tall spikes of brilliant golden yellow flowers that make the clump glow like a giant lightning bug in the garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07279
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Iris x louisiana 'Cajun Love' (Cajun Love Louisiana Iris)
SunZone: 6-10, at least 30" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(Rowlan 90) If you've been lonely at night, maybe a little 'Cajun Love' along with a heap of Zydeco music is just what the plant doctor ordered. This vigorous selection of Louisiana Iris is topped in early May with large brownish-violet flowers, each highlighted by vivid yellow markings on the three falls. Louisiana iris grow equally well in moist soil or in up to 4" of standing water.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07087
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Iris x louisiana 'Handmaiden' (Handmaiden Louisiana Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-10, at least 24" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(J. Ghio 81) This stunning and easy-to-grow Louisiana iris hybrid has been the rage in our garden for the last few years at our Spring Open House, so we finally got around to potting a few. The evergreen, sword-like foliage is topped in early May with cinnamon reddish-brown flowers with bright yellow centers. I know the color sounds hard to believe, but this hybrid is incredible. For best results, Louisiana iris should be planted in a bog or in evenly moist garden soil. In 3 years, expect a 3' wide clump. Pot size: 2 qt. (1.892 L) #03415
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Iris x louisiana 'Joie de Vivre' (Joie de Vivre Louisiana Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-10, at least 36" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(Pryor 97) Iris 'Joie de Vivre' is a Louisiana iris introduction from Heather and Bernard Pryor of Australia, who obviously have a great appreciation for our US native iris. For inquiring minds, 'Joie de Vivre' translates into "enjoyment of life." The flowers that top the clumps in late April/early May are a ruffled, reddish lavender-brown highlighted by a yellow central blotch. I'll bet that's not a color you've seen very often...unless you frequent some seedy downtown street corners. When growing in moist, rich soils, the vigorous clumps can easily reach 3' tall x 5' wide in 3 years.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07280
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Iris x louisiana 'Now and Forever' (Now and Forever Louisiana Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-10, at least 36" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(Pryor 97) This 1997 Louisiana iris introduction is an obscenely vigorous selection that makes an 3' tall x 8' wide patch in just three years...if you keep it happy. The massive clump is topped in late April/early May with large, lavender flowers with narrow, white borders. If you can provide good, moist, rich soils or even shallow standing water, this is a can't-miss plant for even the brownest of thumbs.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07278
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Iris x louisiana 'Prix D'Elegance' (Prix D'Elegance Louisiana Iris)
Sun to Part SunZone: 6-10, at least 36" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(Pryor 97) The large, ruffled, cinnamon brown flowers on this easy-to-grow Louisiana Iris selection bring a new range of colors to the garden. The amazing flowers top the vigorous clumps, 3' tall x 5' wide in 3 years, in late April/early May. If you have a ditch or moist spot that's been a problem, fill it with Louisiana iris...the perfect solution.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07281
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Iris x louisiana 'Professor Paul' (Professor Paul Louisiana Iris)
SunZone: 6-10 36" tall Origin: USA Hybrid
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(J. Mertzweiller 80) This 1980 tetraploid introduction makes a robust 3' tall clump of vertical green leaves topped, starting in mid-May, with large, 5", light lavender-blue flowers. I. 'Professor Paul' is equally at home in moist soils or 4" of standing water. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07086
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Iris x pseudata 'Aichi no Kagayaki' (Aching Tongue Iris)
SunZone: 5-9 36" tall Origin: Hybrid
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Despite the tongue-twisting name, which means "bright inspiration", we have really enjoyed this bizarre cross of Iris pseudacorus x Iris ensata. While it grows well in shallow water, we grow ours in dry sand where it is equally wonderful. The foliage emerges chartreuse-yellow in spring, highlighted by the large flowers in mid-May (NC). Each flower is light yellow, highlighted by an attractive brown marking near the base of the petals. As compared to the prolific-seeding I. pseudacorus, the best feature of Iris 'Aichi no Kagayaki' (my #@x@x* spell checker keeps insisting on Kawasaki) is its sterility...no garden abortions necessary. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05794
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| <Hymenocallis - Indigofera] | [Itea - Kniphofia> |
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