Iris spuria: Tall Beardless Iris with Late Spring Blooms

Iris spuria is one of the tallest growing beardless irises, available in a wide range of flower colors, blooming from late spring to mid-summer. Tall like Japanese irises but with upright flowers and later bloom than tall bearded types.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Tall; wide range of flower colors; later bloom than bearded irises.

Care

Well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Most require a dry summer dormancy, alkaline soil, and high fertility.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in fall. Lift and divide clumps and replant immediately in early autumn.

Problems

Iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs, snails, aphids, nematodes. Bacterial leaf blight and soft rot, crown rot, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch can occur.

Overview

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Spread: 6–12 in.
• Growth Habit: Clumps
• Growth Pace: Moderate Grower
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
• Flower Color: Brown, Purple, White, Yellow
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Cut Flower
• Seasonal Interest: Spring Interest
• Type: Perennials