Spuria Iris: Larger, Longer-Lasting Blooms Than Dutch Iris

If you like Dutch iris, you'll love spuria iris. Its flowers resemble Dutch types but are larger—up to 5 inches across—and more numerous: 3–4 buds per stalk (up to 7). Stalks are taller (3–5 ft.) and stronger, resisting wind and rain. Bloom lasts several weeks in late spring, just as tall bearded iris fade.

Advantages Over Dutch Iris

• Longer vase life.
• Wider color range: full blues/purples, yellows, whites, plus exotic browns, red-browns, near-blacks.
• Impressive sword-like leaves to 5 ft. provide great perennial border backdrop even out of bloom.

Tough & Adaptable

• Zones 2–24; mulched, tolerates -20°F.
• Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil but adapts widely.

Sources (Mail-Order & Visit)

• Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden, Vancouver, WA – Fields open Apr 1–Jul 1. www.flowerfantasy.net, (360) 573-4472.
• Greenwood Iris + Daylily, Somis, CA – Saturdays Apr–Jun + last Fri/Sun Apr. www.greenwoodgarden.com, (562) 494-8944.
• Iris Gallery, Fort Bragg, CA – May 10–Jun 16. www.allthingsiris.com, (800) 757-4747.
• Shepard Iris Garden, Phoenix – April. (602) 841-1231.