The iris is an elegant, architectural flower named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow — fitting for a bloom that comes in almost every color. Its distinctive form, with upright ‘standards’ and drooping ‘falls,’ makes it unmistakable.
Iris at a glance
- Botanical name: Iris
- Family: Iridaceae
- Bloom season: late spring to early summer
- Symbolism: wisdom, hope, and faith
About the iris
Irises grow from either rhizomes or bulbs and open their intricate flowers in late spring. Each bloom has three upright petals (standards) and three drooping ones (falls), often marked with a contrasting beard or crest. The genus is huge and varied, from tall bearded irises to water-loving flag irises.
Iris meaning and symbolism
The iris symbolizes wisdom, hope, faith, and courage. It’s the state flower of Tennessee, and the stylized iris is thought to be the origin of France’s fleur-de-lis. See our Tennessee state flower page.
Types of iris
Popular varieties worth knowing:
- Bearded iris — the large, ruffled garden classic
- Siberian iris — slender, graceful, and hardy
- Japanese iris — flat, broad blooms that love moisture
- Dutch iris — bulb iris popular as a cut flower
- Flag iris — water-loving irises for pond margins
How to grow and care for iris
A few essentials keep this flower thriving:
- Plant bearded iris rhizomes shallowly, with the top exposed, in full sun
- Give them well-drained soil — bearded irises dislike wet feet
- Water moderately; water irises need consistently damp soil
- Divide clumps every three to four years to keep them vigorous
- Cut back foliage in autumn and remove any diseased leaves
Iris FAQs
When do irises bloom?
Most irises bloom in late spring to early summer. Some bearded iris varieties are ‘reblooming’ and flower again in late summer or autumn.
How do you divide irises?
Divide bearded irises every three to four years in mid to late summer: lift the clump, cut the rhizomes into pieces each with roots and a fan of leaves, and replant shallowly.
Do irises spread?
Yes. Irises multiply steadily — bearded types spread through their rhizomes to form larger clumps, which is why dividing them every few years keeps them healthy.
Explore more
Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.