9.6k saves
Iris
We track 258 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Iris varieties
See all 258 Iris varieties →Search this genus →
14 species of Iris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Iris in Sow
Save the Iris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Iris
Whats common across all Iris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Iris year
- DivideJuly and August100% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years in late summer
- FertilizeFebruary and March85% of varieties
Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring and after main bloom
- Spring CleanupFebruary85% of varieties
Clear away old leaves and debris to improve air circulation
- DeadheadMay and June70% of varieties
Snap off spent flower stalks at the base after blooming
- PlantJuly–September68% of varieties
Plant rhizomes shallowly in late summer/early fall
- Check for PestsMarch–May50% of varieties
Watch for iris borer damage on leaves
- PruneMay, June, October and November38% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks after bloom; cut foliage back to 6 inches in late fall
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Iris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted new growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Iris borer | Frayed or ragged leaves, holes in foliage | Remove and destroy infested foliage; apply organic insecticide if necessary |
| Iris Borer | Frayed or chewed leaves, holes in rhizomes | Remove and destroy affected plant parts, apply organic insecticide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened rhizomes | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rhizome rot | Soft, black, or decayed rhizomes | Ensure well-drained soil; remove and discard affected rhizomes |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, mushy rhizomes | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering, treat with fungicide |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove infected leaves; use copper-based fungicide |
Making more Iris
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in late summer or early fall.
- Gently separate rhizomes with a sharp knife.
- Allow cut surfaces to dry for 1-2 days.
- Plant divisions 2-3 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering in late summer.
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture until germination occurs, usually in 4-6 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Iris questions
How many types of Iris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 258 distinct Iris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 9.6k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Iris grow in?
Across its varieties, Iris covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Iris bloom?
Most Iris varieties bloom in late spring, mid-spring, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Iris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.