Bearded iris Iris germanica
Bearded iris (Iris germanica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Bearded iris in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Bearded iris at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Bearded iris toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: rhizomes, leaves
Rhizomes contain irritant glycosides that cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bearded iris
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Bearded iris in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Monet’s gardens at Giverny (70 plants)
Questions about Bearded iris
- How far apart should I plant Bearded iris?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Bearded iris need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bearded iris need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bearded iris?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Bearded iris flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bearded iris poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Rhizomes contain irritant glycosides that cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- What grows well with Bearded iris?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bearded iris. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Rhizomes should sit at the soil surface to avoid rot.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora
- Bugle lily (watsonia) Watsonia borbonica