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Irises add interesting texture to the spring garden with strappy leaves and unique flowers, nicely accenting the later blooming flower bulbs. They grow to form large clumps which are easily divided and spread around the garden.

Latin Name

Iris germanica


Family

Iridaceae


Type of Plant

Perennials Perennials

Bloom Season

May

Seasons

Spring Spring

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 3'
Max spread Max Spread: 2'

Uses

  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Deer

  • Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest
    Skin irritant Skin irritant

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern Mediterranean


    History

    William Faris had German irises in his garden in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1790.


    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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