Information on Iris Plants

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Overview

There are approximately 200 different iris species. They are popular planted with tulips and daffodils for nice color in spring gardens. Irises are usually easy to grow and to keep looking lovely.

Irises are a beautiful addition to any landscape. image by "Flowers by lake" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Per Ola Wiberg (Powi) (Per Ola Wiberg) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Description

With so many different species, there are just as many descriptions. Tall bearded irises grow from 27 to 41 inches high and are the most popular among gardeners. These flower petals curl downward, looking like a beard.

Mulch

Irises need their roots mulched with peat or bark chips to maintain moisture in the plants.

Propagation

Iris plants need to be divided every few years. Divide irises after they are finished blooming by digging the root mass and cutting the rhizomes with a knife. Plant the divided rhizomes a few inches apart from one another.

Medicinal Use

Irises have had their roots used for skin infection medicines and stomach problems. It was an early syphilis treatment. Even today it is used as a liver purge.

Fun Facts

Iris in Greek mythology is the Goddess of the Rainbow. It is a symbol of royal families and one of the earliest known artworks, found in the palace of King Minos on the island of Crete, dating back to 2100 B.C.

References

Floridata

Keywords: iris, bearded iris, tall bearded iris

About this Author

T.M. Samuels has been a freelance writer since 1993. She has published works in "Arthritis Today," "Alabama Living" and "Mature Years," and is the author of a gardening book. Samuels studied pre-medicine at Berry College.

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