Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
Iris
Iris bismarckiana
Overview
Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, irises come in an astonishing palette of colors and are among the most iconic garden flowers worldwide. From the stately bearded irises to the moisture-loving Japanese and Louisiana irises, there is a type for virtually every garden condition. Orris root, derived from iris rhizomes, has been used in perfumery and gin production for centuries.
Iris bismarckiana is a species of iris plant that belongs to the genus Iris and subgenus Iris, specifically the section Oncocyclus. This rhizomatous perennial is native to the mountainsides of Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
The plant has short, stoloniferous rhizomes that are narrow, measuring around 1.5 cm in diameter. It forms long thin stolons that can reach up to a few meters into the ground to seek minerals. The rhizomes and stolons are highly prone to viral diseases.
Iris bismarckiana develops 6–8 ensiform (sword-shaped), glaucous, and bright green leaves. These leaves can grow up to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long and 2–2.5 cm wide, forming erect fans similar to those of Iris susiana.
The plant's peduncle, or stem, can grow up to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall, with some stems reaching 80 cm (31 in) in height. The stem is usually taller than the leaves and holds a single terminal flower that blooms in spring between March and April. In the UK, it has been known to flower in May.
The flowers of Iris bismarckiana measure 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in diameter. They have a pale yellow, yellow-green, cream, or creamy-white ground that is covered with reddish-brown, maroon brown, purple-brown, purple, blue-purple, light violet, lilac, or blue veins or spots.
Appearance
The flowers consist of 2 pairs of petals: 3 large sepals (outer petals) known as the 'falls' and 3 inner, smaller petals (or tepals) called the 'standards'. The ovate-shaped falls are 6–7 cm (2–3 in) long and 4 cm wide, with dense spotting or veining and a purple-brown or dark purple signal patch. In the middle of the falls is a row of short hairs called the 'beard', which is dark purple or blackish. The orbicular standards are 7–9 cm (3–4 in) long, featuring paler veining or spotting in blue-purple, purple, or blue.
The flowers of Iris bismarckiana are very similar in form to those of Iris susiana. They have oblong-shaped stigmas.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- also native to Lebanon-Syria, Palestine
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jul — Aug | Plant rhizomes in midsummer; top of rhizome must be at soil surface — do not bury |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | May — Jun | Late spring bloom; remove spent stems but leave fan of leaves |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Jul — Aug | Plant in summer; rhizome should bake in sun; excellent drainage |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jun | Spring bloom; reblooming varieties may flower again in fall |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Jul — Sep | Plant in late summer/early fall; do not mulch over rhizome — needs sun exposure |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Apr — Jun | Spring bloom; hundreds of color combinations available |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Jul — Aug | Divide every 3-4 years after bloom; discard old center section; trim leaves to 6" fan |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant in fall; bearded iris needs some winter chill; Louisiana iris thrives in warm zones |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Mar — May | Early spring bloom; Louisiana iris blooms in wet soil |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall; choose Louisiana or Japanese iris for hot humid areas |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter/spring bloom |
Uses
Other Uses
- Iconic ornamental perennial in nearly every color
- Orris root used in high perfumery and potpourri
- Rain garden and water feature plantings (Japanese and Louisiana types)
