The iris are blooming profusely in the garden right now. Their tall, slender stems emerging from wide, fan-like leaves and topped off with gorgeous pops of color. They remind me of popcorn that has suddenly burst open from it's kernel. One of the varieties I grow is referred to as a Bearded Iris. Bearded Irises are the most popular type, but the Siberian and Japanese types are gaining in popularity and are equally as stunning.
Bearded Iris
So why is it called a "bearded" iris? Each bearded iris has 3 upright petals (standards) and 3 cascading sepals (falls). In some varieties, the color of the standards and falls are the same. In others, the colors are different - with variations ranging from subtle color changes to bold contrasts. Running down the center of each fall is a “beard” that resembles a furry caterpillar or brush.
Bearded Irises are easy to grow, require full sun and will multiply over time. They come in a variety of colors including pink, blue, red, yellow, white and purple.
Siberian Iris
Siberian Iris are different from Bearded Iris in that they do not have beards and their foliage is thinner. The flowers are typically smaller and more delicate, rising tall on slender stems in bloom in shades of blue, purple, white or yellow. Once the flower fades, the foliage remains a beautiful focal point in the garden, often resembling an ornamental grass.
Japanese Iris
Japanese Iris have huge, flat flowers with ruffled petals. Here, the beardless flowers have large falls and short standards. Their leaves are sword shaped with a distinct rib that runs lengthwise down the leaves - a good way to distinguish this type from the others when not in flower. Absolutely gorgeous in a mass planting.
Fleur-de-lis
Fun Fact: In Greek Mythology, Iris is the Goddess of the Rainbow. It has been the symbol of royal families throughout history, due to the elegance of the bloom. The most famous use of the iris is the "fleur-de-lis" ⚜️, which means “lily flower” or “flower of the iris”. This stylized version of the iris which has been a symbol of France since the 12th century!
So tell me, what do you think of Iris? Which one is your favorite? And if you aren't growing them now, I highly recommend you give them a try. You won't be disappointed.
HI Katie, I found your previous blog researching rose bushes that produce rosehips.
Then I followed your link to here, your blogs all look really detailed and wonderful.
But, I have one question, aren't you(or have you not applied) for the google adsense program?
I tried a blog on here sever years back and had it on mine. I asked because it could add a way to potentially make a little more money.
You can also register for an Amazon ad affiliate program and put selected product ads here. It would pair well with you articles(you could select connected topic related items) to extend you offerings.
Those pay % of item price and of course higher ticket items like indoor…