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Bearded Iris

Iris germanica

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameBearded Iris

DescriptionElegant perennial featuring distinctive flowers with three upright petals (standards) and three downward-arching petals (falls) adorned with fuzzy, caterpillar-like 'beards.' Blooms appear in spectacular array of colors including blue, purple, violet, white, cream, pink, yellow, orange, and countless bicolors. Prized for their regal appearance, many varieties offer sweet fragrance and make excellent cut flowers for spring arrangements.

FamilyIridaceae

GenusIris

TribeIrideae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ P3+3 A3 G(3)

Bilaterally symmetrical, bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth - no distinction between sepals and petals), 3 free stamens, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features

Name 'Iris' comes from Greek goddess of the rainbow, reflecting the flower's diverse color palette. 'Bearded' refers to the fuzzy, hair-like appendages (beards) on the falls that guide pollinators to nectar. 'Germanica' is misleading as the species likely originated in Mediterranean region
Unique flower structure with three upright standards and three drooping falls, each fall decorated with a prominent fuzzy beard. Flowers measure 3-6 inches across and bloom in succession along tall stalks. Some varieties are fragrant with scents ranging from grape to chocolate
Herbaceous perennial growing from thick, fleshy rhizomes that spread horizontally at soil surface. Blooms in late spring to early summer (April-June), with some reblooming varieties flowering again in fall. Sword-shaped leaves remain attractive after blooming
Height varies by classification: Miniature Dwarf (8 inches/20 cm), Standard Dwarf (8-15 inches/20-38 cm), Intermediate (15-28 inches/38-70 cm), Tall Bearded (28+ inches/70+ cm). Lifespan of 3-5 years before division needed. Propagated by rhizome division in late summer
Native to Mediterranean region, particularly southern Europe, North Africa, and Middle East. Ancient flower cultivated since at least 1500 BCE in Egypt and Crete. Now grown worldwide in temperate zones
Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) for best blooming. Thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Drought tolerant once established. Rhizomes must be planted at or slightly above soil surface to prevent rot. Tolerates poor soil
Excellent cut flowers lasting 5-7 days in vase. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Rhizomes contain iridin, toxic if ingested. Used in perfumery (orris root). Some varieties have edible flowers used in salads

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificIris germanica

English (Alternate)German Iris, Common Flag, Rhizomatous Iris, and Table Irises

Hindiबेख सोसन (Bekh Sosan), आइरिस (Iris)

Tamilசவரன் ஐரிஸ் (Savarai Iris)

Teluguగోల్డెన్ ఇరైస్ (Goldene irise)

Malayalamചീനപ്പൂവ് (China poo)

Kannadaಕೇಶಿ ಹೂ (keshi hoo)

Sanskritकाङ्गा (kagga), गानिनी (ganini), उग्रगन्धा (ugragandha), बहुतलवशा (bahutalavaza)

Bengaliগোঁফ যুক্ত আইরিস (Goof Jukto Airis)

Frenchiris barbu

RussianБородатый Ирис (Borodatyy Iris)

Spanishlirio barbudo

GermanBartiris, Stirnblüte

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.