The Incredible Iris
What in your life is calling you, When all the noise is silenced, The meetings adjourned… The lists laid aside, And the Wild Iris blooms By itself In the dark forest…What still pulls on your soul?
–Rumi
Irresistible Irises
- Irises are a beloved flower and usually bloom in late spring and early summer. They are the birth flower for the month of February.
(Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, 1889)
The iris is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful flowers. Ruffled, bearded, and exquisite, we immediately think of a person’s eye and the colorful iris there. A deeply poetic flower, too! When the irises bloom in the spring, we also probably think of van Gogh’s incredible painting.
Fun Facts
(Irises in Monet’s Garden, 1900)
- Irises were one of Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s favorite flowers, and his garden at Giverny was filled with them.
- The name “Iris” comes from the Greek word for Rainbow (the Greek goddess of the rainbow is also called “Iris”).
- Most irises start to bloom in late spring, early summer. Some—mostly bearded hybrids—are what is known as “remontant.” This means that they flower again later in the summer!
- There are about 300 different species in the genus “Iridaceae.”
- The petals are sometimes referred to as “falls.”
- Irises shouldn’t be planted too deeply.
- The iris is the symbol of Florence, Italy.
- The “fleur de lis” symbol is actually meant to resemble an iris.
- The iris is Tennessee’s state flower.
- Irises are regal flowers: In 1147, King Louis VII used the purple iris as a personal symbol.
- Japanese irises sort of resembling tropical birds and can be found blooming near bodies of water (usually ponds).
- Bearded irises are known for their vibrant colors, and many are two-toned (from purple and blue to white, cream, rust-colored, pink, and yellow) with fuzzy yellow centers.
Interesting Colors!
Irises have been cultivated and bred to bloom in all hues. Some are truly astonishing and almost hard to imagine until you actually see them! We know that they come in all shades of blue and purple (as aforementioned), but what about black and chocolate brown?
From Chelsea Flowers
“In the Spring a livelier iris changes on the burnish’d dove;
In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”
–Alfred Lord Tennyson
- The Glory of Easter bouquet is the ideal arrangement featuring irises since they are spring bloomers. Blue irises, orange and yellow tulips, and yellow carnations make a colorful statement for Easter (and any spring or early summer occasion).
For more information on Chelsea Flowers and all the floral arrangements, they have to offer, check out the website (along with the link below).
For more interesting information on irises, consult the links below: