Common iris is also known as German iris and common flag. This s a very popular garden plant. It is also known as orris root. The plant is a member of the iris family.

At one time, orris root was derived from this plant and was used in perfumes and the like. It also showed up in tooth powders before commercial toothpaste became available available.

Nowadays, the common iris is grown in Italy for the orris root, which is still used in perfumes. The characteristic scent of orris root only develops when the orris root is dried.

Originally, this particular iris was native to some areas of Europe. Now, it has also naturalized in other areas where it was cultivated. For the most part, it tends to spread in rocky soils.

This species was also the ancestor of the modern bearded irises. The beard is typically yellow. The bearded irises have creeping rhizomes that spread and eventually create very large clumps.

The common iris is hardy in zones four through nine. It prefers full sun.

This is a very robust perennial with sparsely branched stems. The plant can vary in height from ½ to three feet in height, depending on the variety being grown.

The stout, narrow, glaucous leaves are sword-like.

For the most part, most irises will bloom from April to June. However, this can vary slightly from one region to another and from one variety to another. A single stem can bear up to six blooms. Often, the blossoms occur in clusters of two or three. Flowering typically lasts for about two weeks or so.

In general, iris blossoms can vary greatly both in the flower shape and color, according to the variety.

Typically, iris blossoms are delicately scented. Gardeners can choose from many varieties of iris. The blooms are often purple-blue, purplish-lilac or violet blue. Sometimes, these can also be white.

Iris blossoms consist of various individual parts. These include the standards, which often tend to be lilac. These have a blunt, swollen spathe that is paper-like. The falls generally have a dark purple blade with a yellow beard.

Typically, iris blossoms are delicately scented, and often occur in clusters of two to three.

Growing Irises

For the most part, all of the types of iris are relatively easy to grow and are well suited to most temperate climates. However, these plants can sometimes require appropriate care and attention if they happen to experience disease or pest problems. One of the more common problems that can appear happen to be borers, which can seriously damage the bulbs.

Other Types of Iris

Bearded iris are extremely popular. These are widely grown.

One of my favorite kinds of irises happen to be the Dutch iris. These flowers come in many different colors.

Most Dutch iris are suited to zones six through eight. These are 1½ feet or so in height. They are perfect for cut flowers and last a very long times. Dutch irises grow to form nice, large clumps. They tend to bloom from early to mid-May, and is often in bloom just in time for Mother’s Day.

The dwarf irises are recommended for borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and for forcing. These are recommended for zones three through nine. The lovely blooms can appear from late winter into early spring, depending on the variety.

The scented blooms are rather small but they are so lovely. These come in many different colors and shapes. One advantage these offer is that they have a short forcing period.