Types of Iris Plants

Overview

The Iris is a favorite perennial flower grown around the world, most commonly planted as bulbs. The iris comes in many different shades and varieties and may be grown in a wide range of climate zones and temperatures with pleasing results. In the language of the Greeks, the iris symbolized love, while the word itself means "rainbow." Irises come in a rainbow of shades, including blue, purple, pink and red.

Choosing a Variety of Iris

Step 1

Decide what types of irises you are interested in planting You can choose from more than 200 varieties of this favorite and hardy perennial, making them relatively easy for anyone to grow. Enjoyed for their beauty, the iris is also known for a variety of medicinal properties. Bearded and beardless are the most commonly planted types of Iris. Bearded iris varieties include miniature to tall varieties.

Step 2

Pay close attention to the American Louisiana species, as they are among the most popular. The speicies has five major types, including the Iris brevicaulis, fulva, hexagona, giganticaerulea and nelsonii. The names may be tongue-twisters, but these varieties, which come in shades of purple to blue to red and orange, are beautiful and may grow in the wild throughout the Southeastern portion of the U.S.

Step 3

Compare locations and climate zones before planting iris bulbs, as some will grow in areas that others won't. Iris plants and bulbs grow at different altitudes. The Iris Barbatula grows wild on Chinese plateaus up to altitudes of 3,600 meters, or 1,300 fee. Others, such as the Iris Albicans, a popular variety in the U.S., prefer sunny, dry slopes.