Species

129 other cultivars

perennial

Starship Enterprise Iris

Iris x germanica 'Starship Enterprise'

The Story

Plant Bio

Iris x germanica, the classic bearded iris, is a rhizomatous perennial forming upright clumps of stiff, sword-shaped, glaucous blue-green leaves. The species is native to the Mediterranean and Balkan regions, producing showy branching flower stalks in late spring.

'Starship Enterprise' is distinguished by its striking, ruffled blooms featuring crystalline white standards infused with gold, and creamy white falls bordered by a wide, rosy-magenta margin. The flowers are accented by bright golden-yellow beards and carried on sturdy, well-branched stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, highly ruffled, bicolored flowers that serve as a dramatic focal point in late spring borders.

Highly resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, and exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.

Attracts large native bees and generalist pollinators to the garden with its prominent landing platforms.

SpeciesIris x germanicaGerman Iris

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, humus-rich soil that drains exceptionally well.
Dig a shallow hole and build a small mound of soil in the center to support the rhizome.
Place the rhizome on top of the mound so its upper surface sits at or slightly above the soil level, spreading the roots down the sides.
Fill in the soil, firming it around the roots while leaving the top of the rhizome exposed, and water thoroughly to settle.

Pro Tip

Plant rhizomes so the top half is completely exposed to the sun and air; burying them or covering them with mulch traps moisture and causes fatal bacterial soft rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Expose the top half of the rhizome to direct sunlight and air to prevent rot.
Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Cut spent bloom stalks down to the basal foliage clump immediately after flowering finishes.
Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in mid- to late summer to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not apply organic mulch over the tops of the rhizomes.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft, rot-prone foliage at the expense of flowers.
Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay soils where water pools.
Do not cut back healthy green foliage in summer, as the leaves are actively storing energy for next year's bloom.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersCottage GardensGravel GardensCutting GardensMass Plantings

Companion Plants

Salvia Nepeta Paeonia Geranium Stachys byzantina

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Starship Enterprise Iris questions

What zones can Starship Enterprise Iris grow in?

Starship Enterprise Iris is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Warmer than Zone 9, winter isn't the problem: it prefers colder winters, and summer heat can shorten its life.

Is Starship Enterprise Iris deer resistant?

Yes — Starship Enterprise Iris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Starship Enterprise Iris bloom?

Starship Enterprise Iris typically blooms from late spring to early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Starship Enterprise Iris need full sun?

Starship Enterprise Iris does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Starship Enterprise Iris drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Starship Enterprise Iris handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.