Iris is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants known for their bold form and brilliant color range. The name “iris” comes from the Greek word for “rainbow” and it fits—these striking blooms span crisp whites, soft pastels, rich purples, fiery reds, deep blues and even near-black hues.
Irises are hardy, easy-to-grow perennials that thrive in full sun or partial shade and adapt beautifully to a wide range of garden styles. With their elegant foliage and dramatic flowers, they bring both structure and color to beds, borders and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll cover the types of irises, including bearded iris vs. beardless irises, and which are grown from rhizomes vs. which are grown from bulbs. Plus, we’ll show you when they bloom to help you plan your garden.
Ready to plant? Explore our complete guide: How to Plant and Care for Irises
Iris Types by Bloom Time
When do different iris flowers bloom? Plant a mixture of these iris types in your garden to enjoy an extended bloom season.
Irises bloom from early spring through midsummer, depending on the variety. By planting a mix of types, you can enjoy a continuous display of color across multiple seasons.
- Early spring: Dwarf irises (Iris reticulata) are among the first to bloom, often appearing alongside daffodils.
- Mid to late spring: Bearded irises take center stage, blooming after most tulips and daffodils, though some late varieties may overlap.
- Early to midsummer: Dutch and Siberian irises extend the season, often pairing beautifully with alliums and early perennials.
Layering these bloom times ensures your garden never feels empty between seasonal transitions.
Shop All Iris Bulbs and Rhizomes
Types of Irises: Bearded Iris Varieties
Irises fall into two main groups: bearded and non-bearded. Bearded irises—also known as German irises—are easy to recognize by their large upright ruffled petals (standards) and the soft, fuzzy “beard” at the center of each bloom.
Bearded Irises (Iris germanica)
Bearded irises are beloved for their dramatic color combinations and intricate patterns. From bold bicolors to finely detailed plicata and zebra varieties with striped, tippled, dotted or stitched patterns on the petals, these blooms offer unmatched visual interest. Bearded irises are grown from rhizomes.
Reblooming bearded iris varieties deliver a second round of flowers—first usually in late spring to early summer, then again in late summer to early fall. They are an excellent choice for extending seasonal color with minimal extra effort.
Dwarf Bearded Irises (Iris germanica)
These compact versions of classic bearded irises, also called dwarf German irises, offer similar vibrant blooms but on shorter stems. These are ideal for front-of-border plantings, containers or small garden spaces. These are grown from rhizomes.
Types of Irises: Non-Bearded Irises
Non-bearded irises include a diverse group of species, each with unique growing habits and garden uses. This class includes dwarf irises, Dutch irises, Siberian irises and Japanese irises, among others.
Dwarf Irises (Iris reticulata)
Extend your season with these charming, low-growing beauties. Dwarf irises which are some of the earliest flowers to bloom each spring, and add color to barren, early season landscapes. Dwarf irises are ideal for adding vibrance to front borders, mixed-bed plantings or rock gardens, or beneath deciduous trees. With their smaller stature, they look best when planted in large clusters or drifts. Their perfectly formed, miniature flowers, which tend to be fragrant, are also lovely in pots. Dwarf irises are grown from bulbs.
Dutch Irises (Iris hollandica)
Dutch irises are hybrids that resulted from crossing species native to north Africa and Spain. Dutch iris flowers combine the iconic flower forms of traditional irises with unique foliage that mimics the look of tall, healthy grass. The blooms have smaller, more narrow petals, and the flowers are available in vivid colors, including blue, red, and yellow. They're heart-winners on their own in flower beds and can be combined with other flowers to give a wild look to the garden. Dutch irises are grown from bulbs.
Siberian Irises (Iris sibirica)
Siberian irises are among the most carefree perennial plants. They are tall with large blooms. Unlike bearded irises, they have narrow grasslike foliage that is attractive all year, and they thrive in moist soils. These irises are ideal for borders, naturalized areas and planting near water features. They are grown from rhizomes.
Japanese Irises (Iris ensata)
Japanese irises are perfect for adding color and intrigue to borders, cutting gardens, ponds, river banks and naturalized spaces. Japanese irises prefer bright, sunny locations but can live in partial shade. They require high soil moisture and a fair amount of feeding throughout their growth period but reward gardeners with truly showstopping flowers. Japanese irises are also a favorite plant for growing in a shallow water container, also called a patio pond. These are grown from rhizomes.
Iris Plants and Flower Anatomy – Bearded vs. Beardless and Bulbs vs. Rhizomes
Iris Flower Forms
- Bearded irises are known for their beards – the fuzzy, pollen-clad growth at the center of the flower, which can serve as a landing pad for pollinators. It can be the same color as the petals, or a bright contrast.
- Irises have 6 petals. From the top, there are the standards, smaller petals which extend upward or to the side of the flower head. The style arms are small petal-like parts over the falls; these have the stigmas where pollen is deposited.
- The falls are the larger petals that extend below the flower head and often contain intricate markings such as veins, dots, stripes, edging or color patches. The hafts are the upper parts of the falls that connect to the center.
Rhizomatic and Bulbous Irises
Bearded irises and Siberian irises are grown from rhizomes—underground stems that grow horizontally, storing the plant’s energy and sending out roots and stems. Rhizomes look like ginger roots.
Bulbous irises include Dutch irises and dwarf irises, which are grown from small bulbs that look much like tulip bulbs.
All irises are perennial and return year after year in the garden, with many spreading and multiplying when grown in the right conditions.
Choosing Iris Types for Your Garden: Traits and Uses
- Easiest Types of Irises for a Beginner to Grow: Most irises are simple to grow, but bearded irises and Siberian irises are especially forgiving and reliable for new gardeners. Ultimately, iris selection depends very much on your growing conditions and design goals.
- Drought-Tolerant Iris Varieties: Bearded irises excel in hot, dry conditions and are a great choice for low-water landscapes.
- Best Iris Varieties for Wet Soil: Siberian irises and Japanese irises thrive in consistently moist soil and are ideal for rain gardens or pond edges.
- Best Iris Varieties for Cutting Gardens: Dutch irises are a top choice for cut flowers thanks to their strong stems and long vase life. Countless cutting gardens are also planted with bearded irises each year. Their classic, elegant blooms with dramatic ruffled petals, bold color combinations and signature fuzzy beard make them a favorite for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Most Fragrant Iris Varieties: Many bearded iris varieties release a pleasant fragrance, adding another sensory layer to your garden.
Where to Find Rare Iris Varieties
Breck’s partners with renowned iris breeder Christian Bédard to offer exclusive and hard-to-find varieties with exceptional color and form. Discover Christian's exclusive, unique introductions here.
FAQs
How diverse are irises and where can they be found?
Irises are remarkably diverse—not just in their rainbow of colors, but in the habitats they thrive in, which range from arid deserts to wetlands. With about 1,500 species worldwide, you can find irises across Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa and throughout North America.
How does one distinguish a bearded iris from a Siberian iris?
Bearded irises have thick rhizomes, broader leaves and a fuzzy beard on their falls. Siberian irises have slimmer, grasslike foliage and smooth petals without a beard.
What are the best companion plants for irises?
Pair irises with plants that complement their bloom time and structure, such as:
- Daffodils and tulips (early to mid spring)
- Alliums (late spring to early summer)
- Peonies and roses (seasonal transition from late spring into the summer months)
Where to buy iris bulbs online?
Breck’s offers a wide selection of premium iris bulbs and rhizomes, including exclusive varieties you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, all our plants are backed by our Lifetime Guarantee. Shop Breck’s Irises
Learn More