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Purple Iris Wikimedia Commons
Iridaceae

Purple Iris

Iris germanica

Wisdom and faith.

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Iris
Native to
Mediterranean region, Southern Europe
Bloom season
Spring
Type
perennial
Height
2-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
Water
low to moderate
Hardiness
3-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The iris is named after the Greek goddess Iris, who was the messenger of the gods and personification of the rainbow.
  • The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, has been a symbol of French royalty since King Clovis I adopted it in the 5th century.
  • Orris root, made from dried iris rhizomes, is used in perfumery and takes up to five years of aging to develop its violet scent.
  • Florence, Italy chose the iris as its city symbol, and the annual Florence Iris Garden competition has run since 1954.
  • Vincent van Gogh painted his famous 'Irises' in 1889 while at the asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence; it sold for $53.9 million in 1987.

Color meanings

0

wisdom

1

faith

2

royalty

Uses

  • ornamental gardens
  • cut flowers
  • perfumery (orris root)
  • border plantings