Plants in family iridaceae
Iris verna var. smalliana
Iris verna var. smalliana is a native perennial of the southeastern United States, thriving in rocky woodlands. It forms a small mound of 6-8 inch tall leaves, with medium blue flowers featuring an orange throat on 8-inch tall stalks. This iris is well-suited for part sun to shade conditions and is resistant to rabbits.
Sisyrinchium bermudiana
Sisyrinchium bermudiana, native to Bermuda and Ireland, is a spring-blooming plant with cultural significance as a totemic flower for Bermudians. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Sisyrinchium tinctorium
Sisyrinchium tinctorium, native to Mexico, is a compact plant with narrow, iris-like leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom from early spring to summer. It thrives in well-drained soil and can withstand temperatures just above freezing, making it suitable for mild climates.
Iris fulva
Iris fulva, a rhizomatous perennial, is native to the southern and central United States, known for its striking copper-red to deep red flowers. This plant thrives in moist, acidic soils and full sunlight, blooming from April to June. It is primarily pollinated by hummingbirds and attracts butterflies, adding vibrant color to wet grasslands and bog edges. Despite its beauty, it is listed as endangered in some states due to habitat loss.
Dierama igneum
Dierama igneum, native to South Africa, forms tight clumps of narrow iris-like foliage topped with 3-foot tall spikes of salmon-pink flowers. It requires good drainage and plenty of sun, making it a striking addition to sunny gardens.
Sisyrinchium striatum
Sisyrinchium striatum is an evergreen perennial with grey-green sword-shaped leaves and cup-shaped creamy white flowers with golden centers. Native to Argentina and Chile, it blooms from May to June and is suitable for smaller garden borders.
Iris unguicularis
Iris unguicularis is a winter-blooming plant native to regions like Greece and Turkey. It features pale lilac or purple flowers with a yellow central band and fragrant long perianth tubes. This evergreen plant thrives in dry, well-drained locations and is deer-resistant.
Sisyrinchium micranthum
Sisyrinchium micranthum, known as blue-eyed grass, forms an 18-inch wide clump with star-shaped creamy white flowers. Blooming from spring through summer, it requires a well-drained spot in rock gardens and is notable for its dark purple eye and vein lines on the petals.
Iris prismatica
Iris prismatica is a native plant from Maine to Georgia, thriving in bogs and marshes. It forms rhizomatous clumps with narrow-petaled, violet-blue flowers that bloom in early May. This deer-resistant iris is cold hardy to USDA Zone 3 and attracts hummingbirds.
Iris tridentata
Iris tridentata, a little-known bog iris, is native to the southeastern United States and thrives in wet habitats. It features thin green leaves and 2-foot tall stalks with medium lavender flowers that bloom in late May. This rhizomatous perennial prefers acidic soils and can grow in part-shaded areas. Its fragrant flowers and rapid growth make it a desirable plant for wetland gardens.
Ennealophus euryandrus
Ennealophus euryandrus is a plant native to the northern Argentine provinces of Jujuy and Salta, forming clumps that reach 10 inches tall. It features narrow, iris-like leaves and mauvy-lavender flowers with three falls and a small purple cup. This plant blooms during summer for several months and is winter-hardy in certain climates. Ennealophus euryandrus prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soils, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Iris domestica
Iris domestica, also known as blackberry lily, is a perennial plant with orange petals adorned with crimson-red spots. It features fanned-out leaves and tall, clean stems, with seedheads that split to reveal blackberry-like seeds. This drought-tolerant plant attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, thriving in USDA zones 5 to 10. Its unique flowers and seedheads make it a standout addition to gardens.
Freesia laxa
Freesia laxa is a South African iris relative known for its small white flowers with a red blotch and tiny green iris-like foliage. It thrives in dry soils in part sun or part shade and is a great rock garden plant. This plant goes summer dormant, with foliage returning in late fall and growing all winter. Its drought tolerance and unique flowers make it a charming addition to various garden settings.
Eleutherine bulbosa
Eleutherine bulbosa is a small irid native to South America, known for its narrow pleated foliage and 10-inch flower spikes. It blooms from late summer until frost, producing nocturnal creamy white flowers. This plant thrives in sunny to partially sunny conditions.
Gelasine elongata
Gelasine elongata is a South American plant with foliage resembling a small sabal palm. It features pleated grey-green leaves and produces 20-inch tall stalks with clusters of dark violet-blue flowers in May and June.
Iris pseudacorus
Iris pseudacorus, also known as the yellow flag iris, is a medium-sized plant with bright yellow flowers and long, sword-like leaves. Native to Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa, it thrives in both dry land and standing water, making it versatile for various garden settings. This iris is important for wildlife, providing habitat for endangered species like the corncrake in western Scotland. However, it can be invasive outside its native range. The plant is used in water treatment for nutrient uptake and can tolerate high salinity levels. Its petals and stem are toxic, so caution is advised when handling.
Iris foetidissima
Iris foetidissima, native to Western Europe, is a robust clump-forming plant with dark green evergreen foliage. It produces small tan and lavender flowers in spring and bright red fruits in fall. The leaves emit an unpleasant odor when crushed, and it prefers light shade and well-drained soil.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Sisyrinchium angustifolium, commonly known as blue-eyed grass, is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern United States. It grows 6-20 inches tall and features grass-like foliage with tiny star-like blue flowers in late spring. This plant is heat and drought tolerant, making it suitable for sunny or lightly shaded areas in gardens.
Dietes bicolor
Dietes bicolor is a clump-forming perennial from South Africa, known for its long, sword-like evergreen leaves and pale yellow flowers with dark purple spots. This plant is often used in public gardens and commercial landscapes due to its hardiness and ability to form large clumps if left undisturbed. It blooms in spring and summer and is very drought-tolerant, preferring dappled shade to full sun. Its striking flowers and robust nature make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
Iris setosa
Iris setosa is a dwarf clump iris with small dark violet flowers, native to Arctic regions and northeastern Asia. It blooms in shades of violet, purple-blue, and occasionally pink and white, from June to July. This rhizomatous perennial is hardy to USDA Zone 3-7 and prefers moist or wet soils.
Dietes iridioides
Dietes iridioides, commonly known as African iris, is a tall grass-like perennial with white flowers marked with yellow and blue-purple. The flowers last one day but re-bloom in cycles from spring to fall. This low-maintenance plant is heat and humidity tolerant and thrives in rich, well-drained soil.
Gladiolus dalenii
Gladiolus dalenii is a striking flowering plant from the iris family, known for its tall 40-inch flower spikes that bloom in early July. The flowers, which are a favorite of hummingbirds, feature soft yellow lower petals and soft peach upper petals. This species is widely distributed from South Africa to western Arabia and is a main parental species of large flowering grandiflora hybrids. It thrives in light sandy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7 and requires a sunny, sheltered position.
Iris graminea
Iris graminea is a rhizomatous perennial native to southern Europe, known for its purple or violet-blue flowers with a plum-scented fragrance. It features grass-like leaves longer than its flowering stems and blooms in spring and summer. This plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils and full sun to partial shade.
Iris versicolor
Iris versicolor, native to North America, is a herbaceous perennial commonly found in wetlands and along streambanks. It features striking blue flowers with a greenish-yellow blotch at the base, blooming from May to July. The plant grows up to 31 inches tall and forms large clumps from creeping rhizomes. Known for its adaptability, it can thrive in both standing water and dry land. Despite its beauty, the plant's sap can cause skin irritation, and its leaves and roots are toxic if ingested.
Iris douglasiana
Iris douglasiana is a common wildflower of coastal regions in Northern and Central California and southern Oregon. It grows mainly at lower elevations and is most common in grasslands near the coast. The plant features purplish-blue flowers, occasionally white or yellow, and blooms from April to June. Known for its ability to hybridize freely, it forms a compact clump and requires good drainage in high rainfall areas.
Moraea polystachya
Moraea polystachya is a summer-dormant perennial native to southern Africa, known for its light lavender-blue flowers that bloom from early September through heavy frosts. This plant thrives in well-drained soils and is adapted to dry conditions. Its grass-like leaves and iris-like flowers make it a unique addition to gardens, particularly in regions with similar climates to its native habitat.
Sisyrinchium littorale
Sisyrinchium littorale is a perennial native to Alaska, known for its blue-green clumping foliage and delicate blue flowers. This plant is well-suited for rock gardens and thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas. Its compact growth and charming blooms make it a delightful addition to gardens seeking a touch of Alaskan beauty.
Iris tectorum
Iris tectorum, commonly known as the roof iris, is a rhizomatous perennial native to China, Korea, and Burma. It is celebrated for its vibrant flowers in shades of blue and white, which bloom in spring and again in fall. The plant features sword-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves and can grow up to 18 inches tall. It thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9, preferring moist, well-drained soil and light shade to full sun. This iris is self-fertile and attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to gardens. It is also known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine, though parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. The roof iris is adaptable to various conditions, including dry shade and damp areas, and is often used in ornamental plantings and green roofs.
Nemastylis tenuis
Nemastylis tenuis is a North American bulb native to southern Arizona and west Texas, known for its linear, grass-like foliage and stunning azure blue flowers. These 2-inch flowers bloom from mid-April through May, adding a splash of color to spring gardens. This plant is related to Calydorea coelestina and thrives in sunny, well-drained environments, making it ideal for rock gardens and sunny borders.
Alophia drummondii
Alophia drummondii is a herbaceous perennial native to the sandy pinelands of Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. It features narrow, pleated green leaves and purple flowers with yellow and reddish-brown bases. This plant is easy to grow in part-sun settings and blooms from May to October.