focal · moderate · mid
Iris
Iris · aka Dutch iris, bearded iris
The iris is one of the most sculptural spring flowers — three upright petals (standards) and three drooping (falls), often in a bicolour arrangement. Dutch iris (from bulbs) dominates the cut trade; bearded iris (from rhizomes) is a garden and specialty flower. Blue iris is the go-to when you need a true, saturated blue without dyeing.
At a glance
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern hemisphere; commercially grown Netherlands, Japan, Israel |
| Peak season | April, May, June |
| Availability | all year (imported) |
| Stem length | 50–90 cm |
| Vase life | 4–7 days |
| Colors | white, yellow, blue, purple, burgundy, bicolor |
| Price tier | mid |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal. Buds unfurl fast — buy when the colour is just showing above the sheath. Fresh cool water.
Care in the vase
- •Buy tight — buds open within 24 hours
- •Each stem carries 1–3 flowers in sequence
- •One of the few true blue flowers in floristry
- •Toxic if ingested — keep away from pets
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismwisdom, hope, faith, valor
Occasionsspring events, editorial, sympathy, bridal-bouquet
Substitutesdelphinium, orchid
springblueeditorialwedding
