Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
35 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to average
Lifespan
Very long-lived with division
Native To
Hybrid
Toxicity
Rhizomes are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Tall Bearded Iris are stately perennials grown from rhizomes, featuring sword-like leaves and large, intricate flowers with three upright petals (standards) and three hanging petals (falls). 'Clarence' is a popular and award-winning reblooming iris, known for its lovely bicolored flowers with light blue standards and deeper violet-blue falls, often producing a second flush of blooms in late summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with at least 6 hours of sun and excellent drainage
- Prepare the soil, creating a small mound in the planting hole
- Place the rhizome on the mound, spreading the roots down the sides
- Cover the roots with soil but leave the top of the rhizome exposed
- Space rhizomes 12 to 24 inches apart
- Water well after planting, then only when the soil is dry
Pro Tip
Plant rhizomes shallowly, with the top third exposed to the sun, to prevent rot and encourage blooming.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun all day for best performance
- Ensure excellent drainage; plant on a slope or in raised beds if needed
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
- Keep the area around rhizomes free of weeds and debris
Don't
- Do not plant the rhizome too deep
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote rot and weak growth
- Do not overwater; they prefer dry conditions once established
- Avoid applying heavy mulch directly over the rhizomes
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Clarence Iris questions
What zones can Clarence Iris grow in?
Clarence Iris is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Clarence Iris deer resistant?
Yes — Clarence Iris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Clarence Iris bloom?
Clarence Iris typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Clarence Iris need full sun?
Clarence Iris does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Clarence Iris drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Clarence Iris handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Iris to compare
German Iris Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Mix'
Celebration Song Iris
Iris tenuissima 'Celebration Song'
Dutch Iris Mix
Iris hollandica 'Mix'
Siberian Iris 'Paprikash'
Iris x hybrida 'Paprikash'
Poem of Ecstasy German Iris
Iris x germanica 'Poem Of Ecstasy'
Baboon Bottom Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Baboon Bottom Bearded'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Clarence Iris with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
