As a child growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I thought irises were part of the orchid family because their blooms were just as spectacular and exotic. I would find native irises ...

Bearded irises (Iris germanica) are vigorous perennials that bloom in spring in a rainbow of colors (in fact, the name iris refers to the Greek goddess of the rainbow). Bearded irises increase in size ...

We are in iris planting season, made apparent by the annual sales of the Monterey Bay Iris Society and the deluge of catalogs from iris growers. The iris family (Iridaceae) is huge, with about 2,000 ...

Of the 200 species in the genus Iris, only a few flourish in our northern gardens. Iris have been classified in many ways over the last few centuries and the nomenclature and origin of some species ...

Bearded irises are, undoubtedly, the tall standouts of the spring bulbs, with their showstopper flowers, complete with the ruffled edges that give them their name. If you’re looking for more variety, ...

Irises are known as the “Flowers of the Rainbow.” Iris is both the common name and the scientific name of the genus, Iris. The word “Iris” is derived from Greek mythology, Iris being the Goddess of ...

For me, irises represent two things: the arrival of spring and happy childhood memories. The spring part probably rings true for many of you — who would probably also include daffodils, crocuses and ...

Irises are beautiful flowers with incredible diversity! With more than 70,000 registered varieties, these striking perennials can be planted across almost the entire U.S., except some extremely hot ...

Victorian flower farmer Caitie O'Grady has watched her black bearded irises bloom just in time for Halloween. "When it comes out to bloom, it's usually near Halloween, which is really cool, and people ...

Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, bearded irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow in cold-weather regions. Though they are mostly care-free, these irises do need to ...

Tending the bearded irises, whose stately, shimmering blooms turn spring gardens into a riot of color, is an important summertime task eased by the anticipation of enjoying their displays again next ...

Men and irises have one thing in common, some have beards, others don't. In every other respect, irises strike me as being feminine. Named after the Greek rainbow goddess, the flowers are delicate, ...