Species

Iris x germanicaGerman Iris

128 other cultivars

perennial

Discovered Treasure Iris

Iris x germanica 'Discovered Treasure'

The Story

Plant Bio

Iris germanica, the bearded iris, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial growing from thick, creeping horizontal rhizomes that sit flush with the soil surface. It produces stiff, sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves arranged in flat, fan-like clusters, topped by sturdy, branched stems bearing large, complex flowers characterized by drooping petals called falls and upright petals called standards.

'Discovered Treasure' is a highly ruffled cultivar distinguished by its bicolor flowers featuring buff-pink standards flushed with orchid-violet and matching orchid-violet falls that blend to orange-buff. The blooms are further accented by prominent tangerine-colored beards and are carried on strong stems with three to four branches yielding up to ten buds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, heavily ruffled, bicolor orchid-pink and violet flowers on tall, architectural stems above blue-green foliage.

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

Attracts bees and other general insect pollinators, and is visited by hummingbirds seeking nectar.

SpeciesIris x germanicaGerman Iris

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

38"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, sharp drainage and neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Dig a shallow hole and build a small mound of soil in the center, then place the rhizome on top so its upper half remains exposed.
Spread the roots out over the sides of the mound, fill in the hole with soil, and firm it gently to anchor the plant.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then water sparingly until new growth emerges, ensuring the soil never remains soggy.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the top half of the rhizome exposed to direct sunlight and air.
Divide the clumps every three to four years in mid-to-late summer to maintain vigor.
Apply a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering.

Don't

Do not bury the rhizomes under soil or heavy organic mulches.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft, rot-prone foliage at the expense of flowers.
Do not allow standing water or soggy conditions around the root zone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Flower BordersCottage GardensCutting GardensGravel Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Nepeta Paeonia Geranium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Discovered Treasure Iris questions

What zones can Discovered Treasure Iris grow in?

Discovered Treasure 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 Discovered Treasure Iris deer resistant?

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

When does Discovered Treasure Iris bloom?

Discovered Treasure Iris typically blooms in mid spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Discovered Treasure Iris need full sun?

Discovered Treasure Iris does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Discovered Treasure Iris drought tolerant?

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