Irises are a beautiful kind of flower that comes in many different sizes and varieties. There are quite literally hundreds of different species of these flowers for you to look into, so finding the perfect kind of iris can be a bit of a challenge.
On top of there being hundreds of different species, there are also hundreds of cultivars and hybrids, so you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to irises! It can be a bit overwhelming trying to find the perfect variety for you, but we are here to help.
If you are looking for something a bit more unique, then you have come to the right place! We have put together a list of 10 beautiful types of iris flowers that you may not have seen.
Each of these varieties is unique and they will offer your garden something a bit different from regular irises.
Regular irises are great, but sometimes, you just need something with an extra bit of flare! Each of the iris varieties we have named here offers just that, and they will look absolutely beautiful in your garden.
If you want to incorporate irises into your garden but you want something a little different, then read on to find out about 10 beautiful types of iris flowers you may not have seen before!
1. Victoria Falls
First, on our list, we have the Victoria Falls variety of irises. Victoria Falls (Iris germanica) is a type of tall, bearded iris and it usually comes in a light blue or violet color.
Victoria Falls is an incredibly durable form of iris and they aren’t as hard to look after as some other varieties. They can survive in both full sun and partially shaded areas and they can also survive in frosty conditions.
They typically bloom between the months of March and June, so if you do get some Victoria Falls for yourself, the best time to plant them would be between August and September.
2. Sunfisher
Also known as the Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), the sunfisher variety of iris is incredibly beautiful. It is usually a soft yellow in color and it grows its petals in sets of threes to create a wonderful pattern that is incredibly eye-catching.
They can survive in full sun or partially shaded areas and they thrive best in moist, fertile, and well-drained soils. This variety of iris is incredibly low-maintenance as well, so it is perfect for beginners who are just beginning their gardening journey.
Sunfishers usually bloom between the late spring and early summer, so you can plant them in the cooler months ready for the next year.
3. Sorbonne
Sorbonne irises are an incredibly unique flower that is known for its darker color and striking yellow accents. It is a type of bearded iris and it usually grows to about 38 inches tall.
They are a type of perennial flower that can thrive in both full sun and partially shaded areas. They can also survive in both acidic and alkaline soil, which makes it a bit easier to grow and care for them.
Sorbonne irises are one of the most unique kinds of irises, and they aren’t as well known as some of the others might be on this list. They will make a fine addition to your garden if you choose to grow them.
4. Red Hot Chili
Red Hot Chilies are another beautiful kind of iris flower that is similar to Sorbonnes, but they are a bit lighter in color. This variety of iris is actually a hybrid between two other kinds called ‘Ruby Eruption’ and ‘Rock Star’.
They thrive best in full-sun environments, but they can also bloom in partially shaded areas as long as they are getting enough sunlight. They prefer well-drained soil, but they can also thrive in drier soil conditions if there are already plants growing there.
The most unique thing about Red Hot Chili irises is their smell. They have the usually sweet fragrance irises are known for but as the name would suggest, that fragrance also has a bit of a spicy hint to it too!
5. Red Ember
Red Ember irises are a beautiful combination of red and violet in color and they grow to be about 20 inches tall. They need full sun in order to thrive, so make sure you don’t keep them in even partially shaded areas.
They bloom between the months of May and June, so the best time to plant them is between the months of September and November. They need to be planted in well-drained soil as well, so keep that in mind when you do go to plant them.
Red Ember irises are a type of perennial plant, so in the autumn months, you can cut them back to ensure they grow properly again next year.
6. Pink Parfait
Pink Parfait irises are known for their distinct shape- they look almost like roses rather than irises! They are a pinkish-lavender color and that really helps them stand out and pop against the other foliage in your garden.
The average height of the Pink Parfait is two feet, but this can vary, and in some cases, they actually grow a bit taller! This version of the Pink Parfait has a close relative, the Pacific Coast iris ‘Pink Parfait.
People often confuse the two, but it should be known that they are two different types of irises. Pink Parfaits can survive in full sun or even partially shaded areas and they only need occasional watering.
They bloom during the summer months of June and July, so the best time to plant them is during the late fall months, or between February and April.
7. Pink Attraction
Pink Attraction irises are another kind of pink iris that is more of a pale pink in comparison to the pinky-violet color of the Pink Parfait. They are incredibly easy to grow and they are also deer and rabbit resistant.
Pink Attractions have an interesting blooming pattern. They will bloom first in the late spring or early summer and then they will bloom again in the late summer or early fall.
This is a great variety of irises to keep in your garden if you want to see them in bloom more often than some of the other ones on this list!
In order for these flowers to bloom properly, they need to be planted in areas that get full sun. They can tolerate light shade, but it should be avoided as much as possible.
8. Peacock Butterfly Uncorked
Peacock Butterfly Uncorked irises are another kind of exceptionally beautiful iris variant. They are lavender in color, but they also have veiny leaves that are a deep purple color with bright yellow in the center.
They need full sun in order to thrive, but they can also get by in partially shaded areas too. If you are going to keep Peacock Butterfly Uncorked irises for yourself, make sure to keep them in moist but well-drained soil.
They are quite a small flower too, on average only growing to be about 0.6 m. But what they lack in size, they definitely make up for in beauty!
9. Ocelot
Ocelots are another kind of bearded iris and they have beautiful deep purple leaves. The tops of these iris are a creamy-pink color and they look striking against the rest of the foliage in your garden.
This particular type of iris is actually a hybrid between the Chinese New Year and the Romantic Evening irises, and if you look closely, you can see characteristics of both in it.
Ocelot irises are incredibly easy to grow and they thrive in full sun. Keep them out of any shaded areas, including partially shaded areas if you want to see them bloom properly!
10. Obsidian
Obsidian irises are a fantastic midnight purple/black color and they are incredibly unique amongst the many different kinds of irises you can get! They are a beautiful variety of irises that will look fantastic in your garden.
They typically bloom between the months of May and June and they grow to about 65cm in height. They are a type of perennial flower, so they will bloom every year.
If you are going to keep Obsidian irises for yourself, make sure that you keep them in well-drained soil and in an area where they will get full sun. They can also thrive in partially shaded areas too.
Conclusion
So there you have it! 10 beautiful types of iris flowers you may not have seen before. Each of these irises is incredibly unique and stunning and they will make a fine addition to your garden.
Most of these irises are actually quite easy to grow, so even if you are a beginner, you should have no issues growing them for yourself. If you are looking for the perfect iris flower for your garden, try one of these varieties!
I love sharing my experiences with individuals in this community, and I enjoy sharing some of the best tips I have learned over the years caring for my own garden at home.
In my articles, you will find the best flowers, most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden, how to care for your favorite plants, informative guides and how-tos so you can have the best backyard in town!
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