Species

Iris x germanicaGerman Iris

128 other cultivars

perennial

Matinata Iris

Iris x germanica 'Matinata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Iris x germanica is a hardy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial characterized by its fan-like arrangements of glaucous, sword-shaped foliage and thick, creeping rhizomes. The species produces upright, branched flowering stems bearing large, structured flowers with three upright standards and three drooping falls.

'Matinata' is a tall bearded cultivar distinguished by its uniform, velvety deep bishop's purple flowers and matching deep purple beards. Introduced in 1968, this selection produces six to ten flowers per sturdy stem in late spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides strong vertical lines with its sword-shaped foliage and deep purple flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and performs well on dry, sunny slopes.

Attracts large native bees and generalist insect pollinators to the garden.

SpeciesIris x germanicaGerman Iris

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean and Southern Europe (presumed hybrid origin)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; skin irritant

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, neutral to slightly alkaline, exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a shallow hole and build a small central mound of soil, then place the rhizome on top so its upper surface sits at or slightly above ground level.
Spread the roots downward over the sides of the mound, fill in with soil, and firm gently to anchor the plant.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, ensuring no mulch or organic debris covers the exposed rhizome.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut spent flowering stems completely to the ground immediately after the blooming period.
Divide crowded clumps every three to four years in midsummer to early fall to maintain vigor.
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer in early spring to support bloom development.

Don't

Do not bury the rhizomes under mulch or soil, which traps moisture and induces rot.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers that stimulate weak, rot-prone foliage growth.
Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or drainage is slow.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed BordersCottage GardensRock GardensCutting GardensSlopes and Banks

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii Paeonia lactiflora Stachys byzantina

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Matinata Iris questions

What zones can Matinata Iris grow in?

Matinata 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 Matinata Iris deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Matinata Iris, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Matinata Iris bloom?

Matinata 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 Matinata Iris need full sun?

Matinata Iris does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Matinata Iris drought tolerant?

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