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About Iris:
Welcome to the joy (and heartache, too) of growing iris on the prairies and in other climatically challenged areas of our fair country.
With a few exceptions, given the correct conditions, a bit of care and attention, many different types of iris will perform well, even thrive, in our conditions. And, they are not just available in purple or yellow anymore. There are colors out there nowadays that I'm sure the pioneer hybridizers could only dream of. Pure whites, really pink pinks, greens (in one shade or another), deep blue or purple blacks….. and the list goes on. About the only color that is not present in the iris palette is a true red that has proved elusive in modern hybridizing efforts.
In the bearded types, there is everything from the smallest of the small, the Miniature Dwarf Beardeds (MDBs) through Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDBs) to Intermediate (IBs), Border (BB) and Miniature Tall (MTB) types with the Tall Bearded (TBs) at the other end of the spectrum. Please see the Classification page for an explanation of each type.
Then there is the beardless classification. Two very hardy members of this classification are the Siberian and Spuria. These two are extremely hardy and can generally be left alone for years before needing division. See other pages for further information on these types.
The genus iris is a diverse group of more than 200 species. Many are not hardy in cold areas but many are. So give one a try and join us in our love of this beautiful and tough plant!
With a few exceptions, given the correct conditions, a bit of care and attention, many different types of iris will perform well, even thrive, in our conditions. And, they are not just available in purple or yellow anymore. There are colors out there nowadays that I'm sure the pioneer hybridizers could only dream of. Pure whites, really pink pinks, greens (in one shade or another), deep blue or purple blacks….. and the list goes on. About the only color that is not present in the iris palette is a true red that has proved elusive in modern hybridizing efforts.
In the bearded types, there is everything from the smallest of the small, the Miniature Dwarf Beardeds (MDBs) through Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDBs) to Intermediate (IBs), Border (BB) and Miniature Tall (MTB) types with the Tall Bearded (TBs) at the other end of the spectrum. Please see the Classification page for an explanation of each type.
Then there is the beardless classification. Two very hardy members of this classification are the Siberian and Spuria. These two are extremely hardy and can generally be left alone for years before needing division. See other pages for further information on these types.
The genus iris is a diverse group of more than 200 species. Many are not hardy in cold areas but many are. So give one a try and join us in our love of this beautiful and tough plant!
