May Perennial of the Month-Iris

The fleur de lis is a stylized iris flower, and so this month, we pay homage to the symbol of St. Louis-the noble Iris. Iris flowers symbolize power, with the three parts representing wisdom, faith, and courage.

Missouri Botanical Garden’s Goodman Iris Garden is a perfect destination this month, with over 1,200 iris offering a rainbow of color. (in fact, the Iris Garden beds form a rainbow, fitting since Iris is the Greek name of the Goddess of Rainbows). Besides the common bearded iris, the Goodman Iris Garden shows off beardless iris (without the fuzzy caterpillar-like ‘beards’ that drape over the lower petals or ‘falls’). Siberian and Louisiana irises are included in the collection, along with species iris and natives. The highest award given to an Iris by the American Iris Society is the Dykes Medal, and these winners are included in the collection as well. 

There is an iris for almost any situation in the garden. Dry sun? Try the bearded types. Wet and sunny? Try the native copper iris-I. fulva, or the elegant I. Cesar’s Brother. Wet and shady? Our native, Iris cristata, the dwarf crested iris will charm the area.

What I love about this plant-It’s the symbol of St. Louis-it comes in pretty much every color and color combination imaginable, the sweet, musky scent. There is an iris for dry areas or wet areas. They do well in full sun or part shade, and are deer resistant. The old-fashion purple ‘flag’ iris lives for years.

What’s not so great-The flowers are a bit short-lived. The bearded types are prone to borers and bacterial soft rot and need to be divided quite often. Some of the wet-tolerant types, especially the yellow Iris pseudacorus, are invasive and will overtake a small pond or creek. 

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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