Varieties of irises: 50 varieties with descriptions and characteristics + photo

It's hard to find a summer cottage where irises don't grow. Expressive juicy greenery, flowers of exquisite shapes and colors cause the general love of flower growers. They are grown in flower beds and in apartments. Irises are diverse - from low dwarfs of 10-40 centimeters to slender tall giants growing above a meter. Consider the main varieties of garden irises - by species, varieties, color and shape of flowers.

Iris varieties: general summary

Irises are perennial plants, divided into bulbous and rhizomatous. Most species have a delicate aroma, for which they are used in perfumery to obtain essential oils. In nature, they grow in the steppes, often found on slopes with stony soil.

Up to 60 species grow in Russia, the number of horticultural varieties is in the thousands. The flowers are large in size and exquisite in shape, the color is varied, for which the plant is called "iris" - a rainbow, translated from Greek.

Plants are classified - according to flowering time, flower shape, stem height and other features.

The most significant characteristic is beardedness - the presence of hairs on the outer perianth. According to the international classification, irises are divided into 15 classes. Consider the most popular and decorative ones.

Bearded irises

The pubescence of the outer perianth is the main feature of these flowers. This large group includes 8 classes out of 15. These flowers look great in flower beds and in bouquets. Tall species grow over a meter, the inflorescence bears up to 12 buds.

An undoubted advantage for growing in Russia is frost resistance - plants do not need to be covered for the winter, they multiply quickly and are resistant to pests. Most ornamental varieties:

• Supreme Sultan;
• Sultan Palace;
• Visir;
• Champagne W altz.

Multi-colored, with delicate carved edges, a strong pleasant smell - bearded men are especially loved by flower growers.

Dwarf irises

Cute dwarfs are a godsend for small flower beds and lawns. The main difference is the decorative variegated foliage that can decorate the site after flowering all season. One plant often has 2-3 peduncles. Bushes do not grow above 40 centimeters, often even shorter - about 20.

Flowers are decorative and elegant, like those of tall relatives. Some varieties are frost-resistant and unpretentious, there are plants that require special care. Popular varieties of dwarfs:

• Tinker Bell;
• Puppet;
• Sapphire Jam;
• Carat;
• Dark Over.

Low plants are planted along the edges of flower beds, picking together varieties that harmonize in color.

Bulb irises

Most species of irises have a growing rhizome, bulbous varieties are isolated separately in Holland. By purchasing Dutch bulbs, you can grow a plant of remarkable beauty in the open field and at home, in a flowerpot.

About 800 varieties are known. The following are the most popular:

• Alida;
• Katharine Hodkin;
• Dunford;
• Paulin.

To get beautiful flowers, you need to carefully select the bulbs, purchase them from trusted suppliers.

Siberian irises

A separate class of irises with a hollow stem and triangular stigmas. Belonging to the unbearded group, these species are the most common in nature.

Different from other irises by smaller flowers and a large number (up to 40) of buds on the peduncle. Some varieties bloom up to a month. The best representatives of the group:

• Alba;
• Big Ben;
• Super Ego;
• Double Standard.

Siberian varieties are resistant to weather fluctuations and unpretentiousness.

Marsh irises

Marsh varieties came to flower growers from ponds and wetlands, but plants thrive on lawns with moist soil and high groundwater. With good and regular watering, the flowers are lush, bright.

Marsh irises will decorate the shore of a natural reservoir or the edge of an artificial one near the house. Best varieties:

• Bastard;
• Kurlin;
• Roy Davidson;
• Holden Clough.

Bearded irises breed well near the water, decorating the shore of the reservoir with a picturesque group.

Japanese irises

Japanese irises are characterized by an almost horizontal position of the petals, which increases the size of the flower. Rosettes are strongly open, diameter - 15-25 centimeters. Bred for humid climates, so they grow well near water bodies and need frequent watering.

Among the best varieties - Lilac Haze, Vasily Alferov, Kogesho.

Tip: Japanese species do not tolerate excess calcium in the soil, require high soil moisture.

Groups of bearded irises by color

Bearded irises are the largest and most beloved group of garden flowers. By color, they are divided into several main groups:

• monochrome - all the colors of the rainbow and even more;
• two-tone - one color, with shades options;
• two-color - bottom and top of a different color.

The color of the neglekt also stands out - a complex combination of blue-violet hues.

White

White irises are a rarity in our flower beds. Snow-white petals sometimes have small blotches at the core of a bright tone, enlivening the flowers. Known varieties - White Nights, Bianca, Immortality, Lacey Snowflake, Lady Snowflake.

Blue

Irises of the color of the sky are frequent guests of flower gardens. Breeders go to great lengths to produce blue roses or gladioli, and there are many varieties of blue irises.

Blue irises are distinguished by tenderness and sophistication, they are planted next to blue or purple flowers, creating beautiful combinations. The best varieties are Divine Duchess, Lake Placid, Superman.

Blue

Bright and cold blue flowers are noticeable in any flower garden, they look spectacular in a bouquet. Blue irises are not uncommon; favorite varieties are Honky Tonk Blues, Dusky Challenger, Victoria Falls, Sapphire Dawn.

Purple

Irises in purple shades are usually combined with delicate flowers of white and pink tones to dilute the intensity of their color. The best purple hybrids are Explosive, Lady Vanessa, Smile, Amur-Father.

Lilac

The gentle color of lilac is loved by most summer residents. These irises pair well with light and purple flowers. Good choice - Attention, Mriya, Super Model.

Reds

Red flowers are always especially eye-catching, standing out against the greenery. Popular among red irises are New Centurion, Play with Fire, Rhett.

Pink

The most delicate flowers of pink-apricot shades do not stand out so brightly in flower beds, but they look great in bouquets and apartments. They are best viewed from a close distance to enjoy all the nuances of colors. Representatives - Windsor Rose, Adorable Pink, Lace & Ruffles.

Yellow

Yellow irises harmoniously look against the background of greenery, cheerful and bright. They cheer up with their sunny color - Martile Rowland, Muffin, Autumn Fiesta.

Orange and brown

Warm colors are loved by all growers. In combination with cold ones, they create multicolor in the flower beds and delight with exquisite combinations. The best hybrids with shades of orange and brown are Brown Lasso, Sunset in Avalon, Silkirim, Gambler.

Black

Many people love the gloominess of dark shades of irises among the bright greenery of the garden. Gothic lovers should pay attention to varieties - Before the Storm, Night Game, Black Dragon.

Varieties of bearded irises by bush height

The height of the peduncle is one of the main characteristics of the variety, which is taken into account when planting in order to create harmonious flower beds. This indicator is also important for using cut flowers.

Tall bearded irises

Tall varieties include plants with a stem longer than 70 centimeters, the tallest grow up to 120 centimeters.

Due to the dense stem, irises proudly carry their beautiful heads and stand beautifully in bouquets.

Supreme Sultan

The flower stands out with a bright noble look in any area, dearly loved by flower growers. The diameter of the flower is 15-20 centimeters. The upper part is an intense yellow-orange color, the petals lowered down are maroon.

In the peduncle up to 7 flowers, the stem grows up to 90 centimeters. Due to good winter hardiness, it is grown everywhere in Russia.

Thornbird

Iris of a noble cream shade, has the shape of an orchid. Falls - mustard color with greenery. Peduncle stretches up to 0.8 meters, flowering in June-July, abundant. It tolerates the peculiarities of the weather of the Middle Strip.

Sultan Palace

The beauty of any flower garden has a pronounced red color with streaks of a different tone. The beard is yellow. The petals are slightly ruffled along the edge. Grows up to 15 centimeters in diameter. Stem - up to a meter. Blooms for a long time, winter-hardy.

Vibrant

Luminous corrugated yellow Vibrant flowers are visible in any flower bed. This iris is hard to miss. The color is intense gold, the petals are dense. The stem reaches 85 centimeters, the quality of flowers does not deteriorate for many years.

Medium bearded irises

Irises with an average stem size tolerate frost better and show greater resistance to bacteriosis than tall plants. Among medium-sized irises, there are many wonderful varieties.

Blaches

Germanic iris, combines two colors - blue and blue-violet. On pale blue upper petals - veins of dark color. It grows up to 65 centimeters, is characterized by unpretentiousness and resistance to frost.

Realgar

Flowers in diameter reach 12 centimeters. The top of the flower is a pronounced yellow color. The lower petals have a complex color - white stripes go along a muted crimson background. Used to decorate borders.

CJ

Snow-white iris petals edged with a blue border. The flower is lush and airy at the same time, the diameter is up to 12 centimeters. The stem is medium in size - 60 centimeters. Blooms in late May-June.

Dwarf bearded irises

Dwarf bearded irises are inferior to tall irises only in stem size. The size of flowers and the sophistication of colors in low bearded irises do not differ from ordinary ones.

Black Cherry Delight

One of the most undersized varieties with a stem length of 15 centimeters. The peduncle bears one flower - the petals are white-cream, with soft veins, on the lower ones there is a purple spot in the center.

Dol Dee

Exquisite flowers of dwarf iris resemble daffodils in color - white-yellow, cheerful, spring. Refreshes the flower of the beard of a lilac hue. Bearded dwarf blooms in May-June.

Pink Castion

The bush grows up to 20 centimeters. Flowers are pale pink, with a slight double petals. The beard is a darker shade of pink.

Popular types of Siberian irises

A large group of Siberian irises has more than 800 hybrids. They belong to beardless species, have smooth dense petals.

Reference: Siberian irises fully confirm their name - unpretentious, tolerate frost well.

Snow Queen

Original flower with narrow white petals. The petioles of the petals are painted in lemon yellow. The flower is delicate and airy. The foliage is narrow, curved with a thin arc. The bush reaches 90 centimeters.

Dance, ballerina, dance

The lower petals look like a ballet tutu, the upper ones, according to tradition, are lifted up, pale pink. The color of the lower petals is brighter, the color is pink-lilac, closer to the center are small dashed lines of an even darker tone. Stem - 80 centimeters.

Lady Vanessa

Lady Vanessa variety has collected several shades of blue-violet. The lower petals are wide open, of a pronounced bluish-lilac tone with white, streaked spots in the center. The central petals are lighter and thinner. The bushes are massive and tall.

Double Standard

Belongs to terry varieties, the number of petals is 6-12. A juicy blue-violet flower - lush and large. On the lower petals are beautiful yellow spots with strokes. The plant is tall and stable, with up to 5 flowers on a peduncle, blooming together.

Kablue

Blossoms in May, pleases the eye with a long flowering period lasting 3-4 weeks. Flowers are large, densely double. The number of petals is more than 18. It has a rich blue-violet color, the lower petals are spotted with yellow-orange.

Bundle of Joy

A favorite of summer residents has stuffed flowers of a purple-pink hue. The lower lobes are horizontal, with blue signals. The stem grows up to 70-90 centimeters, dense and stable.

Japanese iris varieties

Japanese varieties of irises have large flowers and expressive greenery. In inflorescence - 3-5 flowers, total flowering time - about 3 weeks.

Kogesho

The most beautiful representative of Japanese varieties. An exquisitely shaped flower with a strongly open rosette. Petals - snow-white with lilac-purple veins and delicate yellow strokes in the center. The dense steady stem grows over a meter.

Vasily Alferov

The peduncle of this variety rises to 110 centimeters, bears flowers of a purple hue with small bright spots of yellow. The lower petals are large, slightly drooping down.

The Lion King

A flower of an unusual shape with narrow petals of a bizarre appearance. The color of the petals combines several warm shades - yellow, bronze, lilac-brown. The lower petals are densely shaded. Iris grows up to 75 centimeters.

Variety of water-loving irises

The best place for planting these species is the banks of water bodies, where plants grow rapidly and bloom profusely. In the absence of shallow water, they require acidic soils and abundant watering.

Berlin Tiger

Iris has a brindle color - thick red-brown shading on a yellow background. The petals are not wide, lowered down. The flower is medium-sized - 10 centimeters on a stem 70 centimeters high.

Variegata

Decorativeness of this iris is provided by lush bright foliage that holds its shape even after flowering. Flowers - yellow, medium-sized hiding among the greenery. Good only in the flowerbed.

Flore Plena

Terry variety of swamp iris bright yellow. On the lower petals - small specks of a brown tint in the form of soft stripes. The flower is delicate and decorative, blooms in June.

Varieties of bulbous irises

For domestic breeders, bulbous species are not distinguished as a separate class. The main producer of bulbous varieties is Holland, which supplies its irises to all countries. There are three main classes of bulb crops.

Iridodictium

Short bulbous irises are sometimes called snowdrops because of their early flowering. Foliage and flower stalks grow together as soon as the snow melts. Peduncles do not grow above 15-20 centimeters, while the leaves can grow up to 50. The flowers are delicate, one per peduncle. The most popular species are Dunford (yellow), Reticulated Iridodictium (purple), Pauline.

Xifium

For many years in our country they were grown only in apartments, as a pot culture. The main difference is the increased requirements for sunlight. The stem grows up to 60 centimeters. For the winter, the bulbs are dug up and stored in a cool, dark place. The best varieties are Symphony (delicate white-orange flowers with thin petals), Frans Holls, Wedgwood, Ideal, Yellow Queen, Emperor.

Juno

Relates to the most original types of irises. The stem is dense, with leaves. Flowers are distinguished by a special structure, coloring - white, blue, yellow and orange tones. Plants are usually low, rarely grow up to 50 centimeters. They usually bloom early - mid-spring.

Unusual varieties of irises

Irises obtained by interspecific crosses are sometimes difficult to classify into certain groups. They stand apart, have an unusual appearance, often resemble orchids or other flowers, and bear little resemblance to familiar irises.

Chrysographs

A little-known variety of irises, selected in China. Chrysographs do not differ in dense abundant foliage, the bushes disintegrate, loose and loose. Flowers - with graceful narrow petals, having strokes and spotting in the lower part. These varieties rarely enter the market, so you will rarely see them in flowerbeds.

Spuria

A little-known species of spuria is rarely found in our flower beds. Flowers are similar in shape to orchids, the lower petals are narrower than most irises. Each flower lives up to a week, the whole plant blooms for several weeks. In Russia, the varieties Golden Lady, Sultan's Sash, Imperial Bronze are popular.

Louisiana

US breeders are working on the rare species of Louisiana irises in the Eastern Hemisphere. They are found only in botanical gardens, as they require special conditions of detention. In the USA, these varieties are used for planting near water bodies.

Known varieties include Longue Vue (white-cream), Classical Note (yellow-orange), Ice Angel (blue).

California irises

Natural iris species native to the Pacific coast. Grows well in acidic soils. The flowers are not large, they do not differ in special decorative effect. They breed hard, so they are not widely used. The bush is evergreen, with narrow glossy foliage. Siberian-California hybrids are more common, free from most of the problems of pure California irises.

Repeating varieties

Some varieties of irises grown in warm regions with long summers can bloom twice a season. They are called rebloms or remontants. In August-September, they throw out the peduncle for the second time during the season and delight with another flowering.

Immortality

The variety Immortality is remontant. The first time the iris blooms in May, re-flowering with timely top dressing - August-September. The flowers are white, large, the beard is yellow.

Jennifer Rebecca

Exquisite large pink flowers with fringed petals. The beard is orange. The stem rises up to 80 centimeters, steady and strong.

Mother Earth

Petals are lilac-pink, the lower ones are brighter. Small blotches of yellow - in the center of the petals and on the beard. Peduncle bears up to 9 buds. It blooms in June, the stem is high - 90 centimeters.

Harvest of memories

Single color flower of muted yellow color. Grows on a tall stem. Blooms again in August. Foliage with a wax coating, dense rosette, leaf - narrow, xiphoid.

Autumn Date

White flower petals are densely covered with spray and touches of a blue-lilac hue. The overall impression is bluish-violet iris. Re-blooms almost always.

Irises are favorites of landscape designers and flower growers. By choosing the right varieties for the flower bed, they achieve a long flowering group. Greenery of many varieties retains its decorative effect during most of the summer. Alpine slides are decorated with flowers, grown in flowerpots and on window sills. Irises are used to create bouquets that delight with exquisite beauty for a long time.

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