Its no wonder that iris are a favorite for gardens and vases. Theyre easy-care plants with showy, colorful flowers. These classic flowers derive their name from the Greek goddess of rainbows, and for centuries theyve been treasured for their brilliant colors and elegance. In fact, the iris flower is the basis for the fleur-de-lis, a decorative design popularized by the French monarchy. Iris have captured the imagination of gardeners and artists alike. Vincent Van Gogh chose the elegant, colorful iris as the subject of several of his paintings. A symbol of faith, hope and wisdom, iris flowers are often given to people who may need uplifting and support. With its rich history, symbolism and elegance, its easy to see why gardeners consider these classics a must-have in the garden.
While you can choose from many types of iris, and the American Iris Society lists several divisions and subdivisions of iris, weve included the most popular types for American gardens below.
With their delicate style and striking color palettes, Dutch Iris are some of the most popular late-spring flowers. Their fan-shaped flowers, with three upright petals and three drooping petals, add elegance and beauty to sun-filled flower beds and borders. Like other iris, Dutch Iris flowers come in a range of hues, including bold blues and purples and vibrant reds and yellows. Dutch Iris tolerate a range of soil types, including acidic, clay, sandy and loamy, as long as it is well-drained. Theyre easy care, too. After blooming, just cut the withered flower at the top of the stem to prevent seed production and then allow the leaves to wither and turn brown before removing them. The green leaves provide nourishment for the bulbs. They naturalize well and reliably return year after year. Dutch Iris bulbs are usually planted in the fall.
These low-growing iris splash the early-season landscape with their delightful blue and purple, often fragrant, flowers. Like other iris flowers, Dwarf Iris have three large spreading petals, alternating with three erect, smaller standard petals. These darlings bloom before daffodils and tulips, and look best when planted in groups of three or more. Grown from bulbs and planted in the fall, Dwarf Iris grow best in well-drained soil and will tolerate acidic, clay, sandy and loamy soils. For best performance, remove the spent flowers after blooming.
Sometimes called Bearded Iris, German Iris are probably the showiest and easiest to grow of all the iris. And, the multitude of color choices–from blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, white and all the shades in between–make it easy to fit them into sunny, perennial flower beds. Their elegant, fan-shaped flowers have three drooping petals called falls and three upright petals called standards. Grown from rhizomes, these perennials are most often planted in the fall, but can also be planted in the spring. German Iris prefer well-drained soil and will tolerate acidic, clay, sandy and loamy soils. While German Iris are low-maintenance plants, we recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
A favorite for planting in water gardens and near water features, Japanese Iris have elegant, beardless flowers with a flattened appearance. Theyre available in a variety of colors including various shades of blue, purple, pink, red and white. These showy perennials are grown from rhizomes and often planted in the spring. They prefer well-drained soils and are easy-care. We recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
A beardless iris that is best for warmer regions, Louisiana Iris bloom in early to midsummer and can be grown along ponds and streams. These charming perennials can also be grown in drier conditions, as long as the soil does not dry out completely. Louisiana Iris have beardless, fan-shaped flowers with three upright and three falling petals. Theyre available in a range of colors, including blue, purple, pink and red. Grown from rhizomes, they are usually planted in the spring. For best performance, we recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
The Siberian Iris have some of the flashiest flowers and are a standout in sunny flower beds or near water features. The beardless flowers have the typical iris flower shape of three upright petals and three falling petals and are available in an array of color combinations, including many striking bicolors. Siberian Iris like moist to average soils and will tolerate clay, sandy, acidic and loamy soils. Grown from rhizomes, these perennials are usually planted in the spring. For best results, remove the spent flower stems after blooming.
Irises are some of the most popular and beautiful flowering plants, and two of the most common types are Dutch irises and bearded irises While both are part of the iris family, there are some key differences between these two flower varieties that are worth exploring In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into comparing Dutch iris vs bearded iris across a variety of factors.
Origins and History
Dutch irises, also known by their scientific name Iris hollandica, originated in the Netherlands and were first cultivated there extensively. The Dutch East India Company helped distribute these irises across Europe in the 17th century. They became very popular in Victorian England and were a common sight in English cottages and gardens.
Bearded irises have a much longer history with origins tracing back to ancient Greece. The European bearded iris Iris germanica, comes from the mountainous regions of Europe and western Asia. Bearded irises were depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs and Greek art, prized for their medicinal uses and lovely visual appeal.
Physical Characteristics
The most noticeable difference between Dutch and bearded irises is in their physical appearance
Dutch iris blooms have narrow, pointed petals, creating an elegant and slender look. The colors tend to be very vibrant, in shades of blue, purple, orange, yellow and white.
Bearded irises have broader, fuller petals with ruffled edges. The colors are often pastel hues of purple, pink, peach, yellow and white. As their name suggests, bearded irises have fuzzy hair-like growths called “beards” on the falls (lower petals).
In terms of size, Dutch irises are smaller plants, reaching 1-2 feet tall at maturity. Bearded irises can grow much larger, up to 3 feet tall.
The foliage is also quite different. Dutch iris leaves are narrow, grass-like and bright green. Bearded iris leaves are wider, sword-shaped and grayish green.
Blooming Season
Dutch and bearded irises have slightly different blooming seasons as well.
Dutch irises bloom in late spring, over a period of 2-3 weeks. The exact timing depends on location and climate.
Bearded irises tend to bloom a bit later, starting in late spring and continuing into early summer. Their bloom time lasts 4-6 weeks. With multiple reblooming varieties now available, you can enjoy bearded iris flowers for months!
Ideal Growing Conditions
When it comes to ideal growing conditions, Dutch and bearded irises have more similarities than differences.
Both plants thrive in full sun locations (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Well-drained soil is also crucial, as irises are prone to root rot if overwatered. The optimal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
While they share preferences for sun exposure and soil drainage, bearded irises are better able to tolerate a wider range of soil types, including heavy clay. Dutch irises strongly prefer sandy or loamy soil.
Both varieties should be fertilized once in the spring and again in the fall. A balanced granular fertilizer or a dilute liquid feed works well.
Maintenance Needs
Caring for Dutch and bearded irises requires some ongoing maintenance each year. Here are some of the key tasks:
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Remove spent blooms and cut back flower stalks after flowering.
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Cut back foliage to 6 inches after it has turned yellow or brown.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in midsummer. Replant healthy rhizomes/bulbs.
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Watch for signs of iris borers and treat promptly if spotted.
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Apply winter mulch in colder climates.
Bearded irises tend to require a bit more care when it comes to inspecting for and treating iris borers. But with proper maintenance, both types will continue thriving for years to come.
Design Uses
When incorporating Dutch or bearded iris into your garden design, consider their mature sizes and best viewing angles.
Dutch irises look beautiful planted in groups or rows along borders and pathways where their slender blooms can be admired up close. Their compact size also makes them perfect for containers on patios and balconies.
The larger bearded irises make excellent background plants, foundation plantings, and specimen plants. Plant them behind smaller plants, allowing the foliage to provide vertical contrast. Their big, showy blooms are magnets for attention from a distance.
Both types of iris work very well in cottage gardens, perennial borders, rock gardens, and cutting gardens too. You really can’t go wrong!
Availability and Costs
Dutch and bearded iris bulbs, rhizomes and plants are widely available from garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers. You’ll find the greatest selection of colors and varieties from specialty growers.
On average, packaged bulbs cost $10-20 per bag for Dutch irises and $5-15 per rhizome for bearded irises. Potted plants tend to range from $15-25 depending on pot size.
In Summary
While Dutch and bearded irises share the same plant family, they have some distinct differences when it comes to origins, blooms, ideal growing conditions, and best uses in garden designs. Understanding these unique qualities will help you select the right iris type for your needs and care for it properly.
Both Dutch and bearded irises are outstanding choices that will bring magnificent colors and textures to your garden or flower arrangements. If you have space for only one type, think about your priorities in terms of bloom time, color palette, mature plant size, and overall maintenance. Then let the beauty of irises blossom for you to enjoy!
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By dutchbulbs Feb 13, 2025
Its no wonder that iris are a favorite for gardens and vases. Theyre easy-care plants with showy, colorful flowers. These classic flowers derive their name from the Greek goddess of rainbows, and for centuries theyve been treasured for their brilliant colors and elegance. In fact, the iris flower is the basis for the fleur-de-lis, a decorative design popularized by the French monarchy. Iris have captured the imagination of gardeners and artists alike. Vincent Van Gogh chose the elegant, colorful iris as the subject of several of his paintings. A symbol of faith, hope and wisdom, iris flowers are often given to people who may need uplifting and support. With its rich history, symbolism and elegance, its easy to see why gardeners consider these classics a must-have in the garden.
While you can choose from many types of iris, and the American Iris Society lists several divisions and subdivisions of iris, weve included the most popular types for American gardens below.
With their delicate style and striking color palettes, Dutch Iris are some of the most popular late-spring flowers. Their fan-shaped flowers, with three upright petals and three drooping petals, add elegance and beauty to sun-filled flower beds and borders. Like other iris, Dutch Iris flowers come in a range of hues, including bold blues and purples and vibrant reds and yellows. Dutch Iris tolerate a range of soil types, including acidic, clay, sandy and loamy, as long as it is well-drained. Theyre easy care, too. After blooming, just cut the withered flower at the top of the stem to prevent seed production and then allow the leaves to wither and turn brown before removing them. The green leaves provide nourishment for the bulbs. They naturalize well and reliably return year after year. Dutch Iris bulbs are usually planted in the fall.
- Botanical Name: Iris hollandica
- Height: 20-24 inches tall
- Blooming Season: late spring to early summer
- Sun Exposure: plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 5-9
These low-growing iris splash the early-season landscape with their delightful blue and purple, often fragrant, flowers. Like other iris flowers, Dwarf Iris have three large spreading petals, alternating with three erect, smaller standard petals. These darlings bloom before daffodils and tulips, and look best when planted in groups of three or more. Grown from bulbs and planted in the fall, Dwarf Iris grow best in well-drained soil and will tolerate acidic, clay, sandy and loamy soils. For best performance, remove the spent flowers after blooming.
- Botanical Name: Iris reticulata
- Height: 4-8 inches tall
- Blooming Season: late winter to early spring
- Sun Exposure: plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 4-9
Sometimes called Bearded Iris, German Iris are probably the showiest and easiest to grow of all the iris. And, the multitude of color choices–from blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, white and all the shades in between–make it easy to fit them into sunny, perennial flower beds. Their elegant, fan-shaped flowers have three drooping petals called falls and three upright petals called standards. Grown from rhizomes, these perennials are most often planted in the fall, but can also be planted in the spring. German Iris prefer well-drained soil and will tolerate acidic, clay, sandy and loamy soils. While German Iris are low-maintenance plants, we recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
- Botanical Name: Iris germanica
- Height: 20-40 inches tall
- Blooming Season: mid spring, some rebloom in later summer
- Sun Exposure: plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 4-9
A favorite for planting in water gardens and near water features, Japanese Iris have elegant, beardless flowers with a flattened appearance. Theyre available in a variety of colors including various shades of blue, purple, pink, red and white. These showy perennials are grown from rhizomes and often planted in the spring. They prefer well-drained soils and are easy-care. We recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
- Botanical Name: Iris ensata
- Height: 24-48 inches tall
- Blooming Season: early summer
- Sun Exposure: plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 4-9
A beardless iris that is best for warmer regions, Louisiana Iris bloom in early to midsummer and can be grown along ponds and streams. These charming perennials can also be grown in drier conditions, as long as the soil does not dry out completely. Louisiana Iris have beardless, fan-shaped flowers with three upright and three falling petals. Theyre available in a range of colors, including blue, purple, pink and red. Grown from rhizomes, they are usually planted in the spring. For best performance, we recommend removing the spent flower stems after blooming.
- Botanical Name: Iris louisiana
- Height: 30-36 inches tall
- Blooming Season: early to midsummer summer
- Sun Exposure: plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 4-10
The Siberian Iris have some of the flashiest flowers and are a standout in sunny flower beds or near water features. The beardless flowers have the typical iris flower shape of three upright petals and three falling petals and are available in an array of color combinations, including many striking bicolors. Siberian Iris like moist to average soils and will tolerate clay, sandy, acidic and loamy soils. Grown from rhizomes, these perennials are usually planted in the spring. For best results, remove the spent flower stems after blooming.
- Botanical Name: Iris sibirica
- Height: 30-36 inches tall
- Blooming Season: early to midsummer summer
- Sun Exposure: Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Growing Zones: 3-9
Choosing Between Iris Types: Bulb vs Perennial
Were often asked if iris are grown from bulbs or are they perennials? Heres why there is some confusion. There are two basic types of iris: the bulbous iris, such as Dutch iris and Dwarf iris, and the perennial iris, such as German iris, Japanese iris, Louisiana iris, Siberian iris and the Yellow Flag iris. Perennial iris grow from thick, fleshy roots, or rhizomes. When selecting iris for your garden, consider where youd like to plant them, as well as their bloom times and colors.
Iris Complete Guide: Where to Buy, How to Plant, Fertilizing, & After Care. Schreiner’s Iris Order!
FAQ
What is the difference between iris and Dutch iris?
Unlike other types of iris that grow from thickened roots called rhizomes, Dutch iris grow from teardrop-shaped bulbs that are planted in fall.
Do Dutch iris bulbs multiply?
What is the prettiest iris?
Iris ‘Gypsy Lord’ (Bearded Iris)
Regarded as an outstanding Iris by most Iris experts, multiple award-winning Iris ‘Gypsy Lord’ is an eye-catching beauty with elegantly ruffled, bluish-white standards floating above a sea of marbled blue-violet.
What’s the difference between an iris and a bearded iris?
The bearded iris is identified by thick, bushy “beards” on each of the falls (lower petals) of the blossoms. Most of these types are native to central and southern Europe. Beardless iris does not have the “beard” and mainly originated in Asia.
Are Dutch Iris a bearded iris?
The Dutch iris often has purple-blue flowers. The Dutch Iris is a species popular with florists. Like the bearded iris, the Dutch iris’s flowers have three falls and three standards. However, they lack the beards that characterize the bearded iris. Dutch irises also tend to be a bit smaller than bearded irises, growing 18-24 inches tall.
What is a bearded iris?
The flowers have a flattened shape and lack the beards found on the bearded iris. This plant can grow from 24 to 48 inches tall. Japanese irises come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. They are native to East Asia and Kazakhstan. 7. Louisiana Iris (multiple species)
Do Japanese irises have beards?
The Japanese iris is a water-loving species commonly grown along the edges of ponds and streams. The flowers have a flattened shape and lack the beards found on the bearded iris. This plant can grow from 24 to 48 inches tall. Japanese irises come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
When do bearded irises Bloom?
Bearded irises are named for their flowers with a fuzzy beard that looks like it’s sticking out its tongue. They bloom early, between March and May depending on your climate. Dwarf bearded iris tend to spread fast, forming dense mats of foliage. Most beardless irises bloom in June, much later than the bearded iris.
Are Dutch Iris and bearded iris bad for You?
Dutch iris and bearded iris are both relatively trouble-free if grown in suitable conditions. However, some potential pests and problems to watch for include: Iris borers – can damage leaves and rhizomes of bearded iris. Keep area clean of debris. Fungal diseases – leaf spot, soft rot. Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
Can dwarf bearded irises grow in shade?
Dwarf bearded iris varieties multiply quickly and let you populate an area of your yard with an investment of just a few plants. Some growers think these irises tolerate shade better than their standard cousins. The native dwarf crested iris has a special appeal to woodland gardeners, as it grows best in part shade.