There are many types of iris and I’ve grown a number. Their eye-catching beauty is entrancing. They are colorful, graceful, and sometimes fragrant. Depending on the species they can bloom throughout the season, so let’s look which can be grown in the climate zone 5 of the USA.

Reticulata

[the look] One of my favorites, this is the earliest iris bloomer in spring (March – April) for me, and very hardy. Shades of deep blue to purple with interesting golden accent markings on the falls.Good plant for rock garden, and the flowers are sweetly fragrant. Named for the fact that their bulbs have a netted look to them (reticulata means a fish net, netted, or a network in Latin)

[the needs] requires a sunny situation that drains well; Soil needs to stay relatively dry in summer during a dormant period.

Dutch and Spanish iris, Iris Xiphium

[the look] Bloom late spring (April-May), bulbs sold in the fall, graceful and slender blooms and foliage. Clear, beautiful colors blooming with the lily-flowered tulips. My favorites were Wedgewood blue with Elegant Lady tulips. The whites, such as White Pearl, are ethereal. They are often used as cut flowers for arrangements.

[the needs] Semi-hardy, they prefer sun or afternoon shade and rich, well-drained soil. Plant bulbs in fall, 4 to 6 inches deep. The top of the bulb should be just beneath the surface of the soil. Feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Continue to see More Iris Types | I.Germanica, I.Siberian, I. ensata, I.Pseudacorus