Iris Seeds

The word "iris" comes from Greek, meaning "rainbow." The mythical Iris of Greek legend personified the rainbow, acting as the messenger from heaven to earth. This flower also appears in ancient Egyptian sculpture and tradition, as a symbol of life and power. Native Americans and early settlers found a practical use for this plant, using the valuable fibers from the leaves to make ropes, nets, and string.

It's a magical time when irises unfurl their pencil-slim buds to reveal a kaleidoscope of color in spring. Once commonly called flags, these perennials flourish in USDA Zones 3-9, where winter temperatures dip below freezing and allow the plant to go dormant before next year's growth.

Useful gardening information

The distinctive flowers have three large outer petals called "falls" and three inner upright petals called "standards." The falls may have beards or crests. Bearded iris are so-called because they have soft hairs along the center of the falls. In crested iris, the hairs form a comb or ridge.

Most irises flower in early summer. Some, mostly bearded hybrids, are remontant, flowering again later in the summer.

Irises need at least half a day of sun and well-drained soil. Without enough sun, they won't bloom.
They prefer fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. If your soil is very acidic, sweeten it with a bit of lime, and forbear summer watering, which can lead to rot. Bearded irises must not be shaded by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.
Soil drainage is very important. Loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.

TWT151 Wild Blue Iris ( Iris Missouriensis )

Wild Blue Iris (Iris missouriensis) is a graceful native perennial that brings the beauty of mountain meadows and alpine wetlands into the home garden. Producing elegant lavender-blue to violet flowers accented with delicate white and yellow markings, this hardy iris blooms in late spring to early summer, creating stunning drifts of color in moist landscapes. Native throughout much of western North America, Wild Blue Iris has long been admired for its ability to thrive in cool mountain valleys, streambanks, wet meadows, and naturalized gardens while requiring remarkably little care once established.

Growing in dense clumps of slender, sword-like foliage, plants typically reach 18 to 30 inches tall and spread gradually through short rhizomes. The refined foliage remains attractive long after flowering, adding texture and structure to perennial borders, while the elegant blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its natural beauty makes it equally at home in formal landscapes or native wildflower plantings.

Garden Uses

Wild Blue Iris is ideal for rain gardens, pond margins, streambanks, naturalized meadows, cottage gardens, woodland edges, and perennial borders. It performs exceptionally well wherever soil remains consistently moist during spring and early summer.

The soft blue flowers pair beautifully with columbines, lupines, shooting stars, marsh marigolds, astilbes, cardinal flowers, sedges, ornamental grasses, and native wildflowers. Mass plantings create spectacular displays that closely resemble the mountain meadows where the species naturally occurs.

Growing Information

Wild Blue Iris thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Although naturally found in wet meadows and along streams, it also performs well in average garden soil provided adequate moisture is available during active growth. Mature plants generally reach 18 to 30 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches.

Seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification before sowing. Surface sow or lightly cover seeds in moist seed-starting mix and maintain cool temperatures following stratification. Germination may occur over several weeks to several months depending on conditions. Patience is rewarded with exceptionally hardy, long-lived plants.

Established clumps require little maintenance beyond occasional division every 4 to 5 years if they become overcrowded. Plants appreciate consistent moisture during spring growth but tolerate moderate drying after flowering has finished.

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.