Color:

Iris

Iris germanica

Bulb

Popular

Iris Family

Elegant flowers with three upright petals and three drooping sepals. Sword-like foliage. Named after Greek goddess of rainbow. Symbol of French royalty (fleur-de-lis).

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Habitat

Temperate

Where to Buy

Find local florists carrying Iris

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Perfect For

SympathyFuneralWedding

Care & Vase Life

Stays fresh for 3 to 5 days

when properly cared for

Short vase life but stunning while they last

Keep very cold to extend blooming time

Buds may not open once cut - buy showing color

Handle blooms very gently as they bruise easily

Short vase life - 3-5 days but beautiful while they last

Keep very cold

Change water daily

Buds may not open once cut

Fragrance Profile

Mild

Subtle, powdery, violet-like fragrance in some varieties

Safety Information

Toxic to Cats

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Humans

The rhizomes are most toxic, containing irisin. Can cause severe stomach upset, vomiting, and skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children.

Fun Facts

Named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow

The fleur-de-lis symbol used by French royalty is a stylized iris

Orris root (iris rhizome) has been used in perfumery for over 2,000 years

Van Gogh painted his famous "Irises" while in an asylum in Saint-Remy

Origin & History

Native to Northern Hemisphere

Irises are native across the Northern Hemisphere. The ancient Egyptians placed irises on the brow of the Sphinx. In medieval France, the iris became the royal fleur-de-lis. Orris root, made from iris rhizomes, has been prized in perfumery since ancient Greece and remains valuable today.