Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Orange Petals': Bright Mid-Size Beauty

Bridging the gap between dwarf and tall bearded irises, 'Orange Petals' brings vibrant color to the mid-border. This Intermediate Bearded (IB) iris cultivar, hybridized by Niswonger and registered in 1991, offers the perfect compromise of size and impact.

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Intermediate Bearded irises typically range 16-27 inches in height, blooming after the dwarfs but before the talls. 'Orange Petals' fits perfectly in this niche, presenting bright orange blooms—rare and valuable in the iris palette—on sturdy, well-branched stems. The flowers have good substance and a long bloom period.

Culture mirrors tall bearded irises but on a smaller scale: full sun, well-drained soil, rhizomes at surface. Space 10-12 inches apart. These irises are excellent for middle border positions, rock gardens, or mixed perennial beds where tall varieties would overwhelm. 'Orange Petals' adds a splash of citrus sunshine to the spring garden.