Varieties of Iris Cultivars

Bearded Iris Cultivars

• Bearded iris cultivars can be distinguished by the thick "beard" on the plant's flower petals. Bearded iris cultivars grow in a wide range of climate and soil conditions, and they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Like other plant cultivars, bearded iris cultivars are often categorized according to their size. Dwarf varieties include Bantam, Scribe and Zipper. For a medium-sized cultivar, try Bay Ruffles or Violet Lulu, or you can opt for a larger cultivar like Dusky Challenger or Superstition, which has dramatic maroon-black flowers.

Siberian Cultivars

• Siberian iris cultivars are very hardy. According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, Siberian iris cultivars are some of the easiest iris varieties to grow in most soil and climate conditions. Siberian iris cultivars thrive in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Unlike bearded iris, Siberian iris cultivars usually grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet. Cultivars include Butter and Sugar, Sky Wings, Eric the Red and Super Ego.

Japanese Iris

• Japanese iris cultivars are a bit pickier about their soil conditions than other iris cultivars. They need slightly acidic soil conditions with pH levels between 5 and 7 to reach their full potential. They also require regular watering and prefer moist soil conditions. Japanese iris cultivars bloom about one month after bearded iris cultivars, so plant Japanese iris with bearded iris cultivars for longer flowering. Japanese iris cultivars include Variegata, Acclaim, Sapphire Star and Rikki Pikki.

Louisiana Iris

• Louisiana iris is characterized by its sword-like leaves. It only grows in the Gulf Coast regions of the United States, including Louisiana and Texas. These iris cultivars usually grow to about 2 to 3 feet in height. As noted by the Texas A&M University Extension, Louisiana iris cultivars also grow well in water gardens since they can be grown underwater. Louisiana iris cultivars include Cajun Sunrise, Dixie Deb, Marie Caillet, and Delta Star.