Bearded Iris

Bearded irises are a group of drought-tolerant perennial flowers with many different cultivars. They grow as upright plants with bluish-green, sword-shaped leaves.

In late spring, the showy, large flowers bloom on sturdy stalks above leaves. They get their name from the "beards" that resemble fuzzy caterpillars on the downward petals.

Bearded iris have a wide range of colors from black, blue, purple, orange, white, yellow, and cream. They come in a variety of heights, with the shorter cultivars blooming earlier than the taller cultivars.

Bearded irises are very drought-tolerant and easy to grow in the Colorado Springs area.

Bearded Iris

Bearded irises are a group of drought-tolerant perennial flowers with many different cultivars. They grow as upright plants with bluish-green, sword-shaped leaves.

In late spring, the showy, large flowers bloom on sturdy stalks above leaves. They get their name from the "beards" that resemble fuzzy caterpillars on the downward petals.

Bearded iris have a wide range of colors from black, blue, purple, orange, white, yellow, and cream. They come in a variety of heights, with the shorter cultivars blooming earlier than the taller cultivars.

Bearded irises are very drought-tolerant and easy to grow in the Colorado Springs area.

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Iris spp.

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Pronunciation

EYE-ris

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Mature Height

2 to 4 ft.

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Mature Spread

2 to 4 ft.

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

various colors

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Bloom time

early summer

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Colorado Native

No

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Natural Habitat

central and southern Europe

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 3-9

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 9,000 ft.

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