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Iris – perennials

Iris germanica purple-lilac – bearded Iris perennial

Perennial irises: bearded, Siberian and Japanese iris

Perennial irises form rhizomes and return every year. The best known is the bearded iris (Iris germanica), which flowers in May and June with large, often bicoloured flowers. Holland Bulb Market also supplies the Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), the Japanese iris (Iris ensata) and the variegated Iris pallida. For bulbous irises, such as Dutch iris and dwarf iris, see Iris – bulbs.

Uses

Borders: bearded irises in sunny, dry borders, together with peonies, allium and ornamental grasses.
Moist spots and water edges: Siberian and Japanese irises like moist soil and pond edges.
Public green spaces and landscaping: long-lived, low-maintenance perennials for planted areas and verges.
Retail: irises in spring packs for garden centres.

Professional use: landscaping and pot production

Bearded irises need full sun and well-drained, rather dry soil; plant the rhizome so that its top stays just above the soil. Siberian irises also tolerate wet feet in spring; Japanese irises like acidic, moist soil in summer and a drier spot in winter. We advise on species choice and combinations; read more about landscaping.

Our iris range (perennials)

Bearded iris (Iris germanica) such as Edith Wolford, Black Dragon, Batik, Arpege, Blue Staccato, Pink Taffeta and Tuxedo; Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) such as Concord Crush, Double Standard, Mission Bay, Pink Parfait and Summer Revels; Japanese iris (Iris ensata) such as Gusto; and Iris pallida Variegata.

Flowering time by species

Species	Flowering (NL)	Height (approx.)	Examples
Bearded iris (I. germanica)	May – June	60–90 cm	Edith Wolford, Black Dragon
Variegated iris (I. pallida)	May – June	60–80 cm	Variegata, Argentea Variegata
Siberian iris (I. sibirica)	June	70–90 cm	Concord Crush, Pink Parfait
Japanese iris (I. ensata)	June – July	70–90 cm	Gusto, Variegata

Key facts

Planting season	spring or late summer; bearded iris preferably July – September
Planting depth	bearded iris: top of the rhizome just above the soil; other species approx. 5 cm deep
Spacing	approx. 30–40 cm
Flowering	May – July, depending on the species
Position	full sun; bearded iris dry and well-drained, Siberian and Japanese iris moist
Hardiness	hardy
Toxicity	the rhizomes are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin

View all irises in the webshop. Business customers see prices after logging in. Our current catalogues are on the Downloads page. For a quotation, please contact us.