Iris germanica aka German Iris

Taxonomy

Iris germanica, also known as the bearded iris or German bearded iris, is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms in mid to late spring. It can grow up to 120 cm tall and 30 cm wide, with roots that can reach up to 10 cm deep. This species belongs to a group of hybrids and includes varieties such as I. × g. var. florentina. With hundreds of hybrids available, this plant comes in almost every color except bright scarlet. In addition to its ornamental value, the plant also has medicinal uses. The rare houseplant known as Orris-root is a type of Iris germanica that is relatively easy to grow, provided it receives regular watering and is placed in direct light within a foot of a window.

Common names

German Iris, Bearded Iris, Flags, Orris Root, German Bearded Iris

How to care for German Iris

Difficulty

Caring for German Iris is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

German Iris should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your German Iris is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the German Iris prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for German Iris to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

German Iris is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Repotting the German Iris should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the German Iris as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

German Iris’s native range is The original habitat is obscure, it is probably of hybrid origin.


More info:
Wikipedia