Dutch Iris vs Bearded Iris : Key Differences Between Two Classic Irises
iris are one of the most iconic flower in the garden , prized for their refined blooms and ease of care . Within the iris house , two of the most popular types uprise are Dutch iris and bearded irises . While both provide outstanding beauty , there are some notable differences between these two iris varieties .
In this article , we ’ll research the primal differences between Dutch irises and bearded irises to help you determine which is best suited for your garden .
Dutch Irises
Dutch irises , also known by their botanic name Iris hollandica , are aboriginal to the Mediterranean region . They are a type of miniature bulb iris that typically grow 1 - 2 feet tall on lissom , upright stems .
The blooms of Dutch irises are dead stunning . They come in a blanket palette of colour include various shade of blue , purple , yellow , pinkish , orange , and blank . The blooms feature six petals in an refined , symmetrical form with the three upright “ measure ” and three downward facing “ falls . ”
One of the theme song features of Dutch iris is their large markings on the falls , often in a contrasting coloring material . This adds beautiful detailing to the already eye - catch flower .
In terms of size of it , Dutch fleur-de-lis rosiness range from about 3 - 4 inches across on average . The blooms are held above the svelte , upright foliation which has an almost grass - like show .
Dutch irises flower in late spring , generally during May and June . After the initial bounce flowering , the leafage will go dormant through summer before emerge again in fall .
These flag perform best in full sun and well - drained soil . They are one of the easiest irises to maturate and are ideal for flock , borders , and mess plantings . The bulbs should be planted in descent at a astuteness of 4 - 6 inches .
Key characteristic :
Bearded flag
barbate fleur-de-lis , scientifically known as Iris germanica , are rhizomatous repeated irises that are aboriginal to Europe and Asia . They are qualify by their large , ruffled peak and the prominent “ beards ” on the falls of the flowers .
In terms of size , bearded irises range from petite dwarf under 6 in to grandiloquent bewhiskered varieties reaching 4 feet in elevation . Colors encompass just about every tone imaginable , from blanched to black to rich precious stone tones .
The large blooms of bewhiskered iris can arise up to 6 inches across . They have a voluminous , ruffled form with wide , overlap petals . The whiskers are a distinguishing feature film , appearing as fuzzy , colorful hairs along the midplane of the drop .
Blooming occurs in fountain to early summer , broadly during April through June . The steel - same foliage remains evergreen in warmer climates but may die back to the ground during wintertime in colder areas .
whiskered irises expand best in full sun and prefer drier soil that drains well . splendid drainage is fundamental to prevent disease like bacterial leaf spot and soft rot . They should be plant shallowly with rhizomes exposed .
difference in flower petal
When it fare to the flower petal , there are some clear differences between Dutch irises and barbate iris .
Dutch iris diaphragm petals have a very sleek , slender manikin . They are pointed and relatively narrow , especially the standards . This gives the blooms an refined , aerodynamic look .
Bearded iris petals have a fuller , more ruffled form with very broad , overlap petals . The wide flower petal can make the blooms up to 6 inches across . The texture is also more velvety compare to the satin - like petal of Dutch flag .
In addition to the beards , bearded iris flower petal may feature intricate veining , speckles , or other markings . More minimalistic pattern and square colors are more common among Dutch iris diaphragm .
Foliage conflict
The foliation of these two type of irises is quite distinct . Dutch irises have long , slender leaves that almost resemble blades of grass . The leaves are one-dimensional in shape and continue unbranching .
Bearded irises , on the other hand , have extensive , matted , sword - shaped leaves with a branching habit . peculiarly when mature , the industrial plant take on a large , bushy thud up to several feet wide .
The foliation of Dutch iris tends to stay more good , while whiskered iris foliage often arches and falls around the outer edges of the cluster .
Ideal Growing Conditions
When it comes to idealistic grow conditions , there are some subtle differences between these two classic flag .
Dutch irises are very adaptable and tolerant of most filth type allow for drainage is adequate . They seem to expand in cooler climates and can even tolerate partial shade . Wet ground are fine as long as they are not waterlogged .
Bearded sword lily , on the other hand , necessitate excellent drain and really flourish in hot , sunny locations . Too much moisture can lead to disease issues with bearded flag , especially in heavy Lucius Clay grime .
Both types prefer slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels . Dutch sword lily are a bit more forgiving of acidulous soils than bearded iris .
Ongoing Care
Caring for these lovely irises is quite simple with just a few sustainment practices to remember .
For Dutch iris , it ’s important to slay spent blooms right away before seeds form . Cut back the faded flower stalks but leave the leaf entire . body of water during juiceless geological period to keep the soil passably moist .
Bearded iris diaphragm may need casual division if the clumps get overcrowded , which is typically done in later summer . Water during drought but forefend wet feet . Remove spent blooms and shattered foliation as needed to hold a neat appearance .
pestilence and Problems
Dutch sword lily and bearded iris are both comparatively trouble - free if grown in suitable conditions . However , some potential pests and problem to watch for include :
Iris rock drill – can damage leaves and rootstock of bearded sword lily . Keep surface area unclouded of rubble .
Fungal diseases – leaf spot , soft bunkum . meliorate air travel circulation and avoid overcrowding .
gnawer like gophers – may masticate on fleshy rhizomes . utilise wiring meshing when planting .
Ants or aphids – can be a nuisance pesterer on prime and leaf . Use insecticidal soap .
Soggy filth – can lead to bulb or rhizome bunkum in Dutch and bearded iris . Improve drain .
While there are many commonalities between Dutch iris and bearded iris , a nigh examination expose some famous differences that tempt their performance and uses in the garden . Whether you ’re see for a petite container flag or a majestic specimen , one of these timeless classics is sure to be a heavy fit . With a basic understanding of their singular qualities , you ’ll be able to grow these elegant sword lily successfully for years of use .
Choosing Between Iris Types: Bulb vs Perennial
People often require us if iris total from bulbs or are perennials . This is why there is some commixture - up : One character is the bulbous flag , which include the Dutch flag and the Dwarf sword lily . The other is the perennial iris , which includes the German iris , the Japanese flag , the Louisiana iris , the Siberian iris diaphragm , and the Yellow Flag sword lily .
recurrent iris grow from thick , fleshy roots , or rhizomes . If you want to plant iris in your garden , think about where you want to put them and when and what colors they blossom .
HOW TO DIVIDE AND REPLANT IRIS / HOW AND WHEN TO DIVIDE AND REPLANT BEARDED IRIS
FAQ
What is the difference between Dutch sword lily and veritable iris diaphragm ?
Do Dutch iris bulbs multiply ?
What is the pretty iris ?
Do Dutch iris diaphragm like sunshine or shade ?
What is the difference between a bearded iRise and a Dutch Iris ?
Like the whiskered iris , the Dutch sword lily ’s blossom have three falls and three standards . However , they lack the beard that characterize the barbate iris . Dutch fleur-de-lis also lean to be a moment low than bearded iris , growing 18 - 24 inches tall . They come in a variety of colors but are usually blue , yellowish , or white .
What is the difference between a beardless flag and a barbate iris ?
A beardless iris diaphragm , such as the Siberian multifariousness , blooms later than bearded iris and has both upright and lower petals without the beards . They are less flowery . Dutch iris is grown from bulbs and grows to 22 - 26 inches marvelous . How long does a bearded iris diaphragm live ? Because bearded iris diaphragm multiply , there is no demarcation to how long they can populate .
What do bearded irises seem like ?
Bearded flag have “ beards ” on their petal that resemble fuzzy caterpillars . Also called the German sword lily , this is one of the most popular types of irises to grow in gardens . The bearded iris comes in over 60,000 unlike cultivars . Most bearded sword lily grow in garden are one of these cultivar rather than the groundless character .
How do you know if an sword lily is a Dutch type ?
If your plant has a bulb and blooms in midsummer it will be a Dutch type . Most iris grow from rootstock and if you have one of these you will need to have a snug tone at the flower in orderliness to describe its type .
Do Japanese sword lily have beards ?
The Japanese iris is a piss - have sex species commonly grown along the edges of ponds and streams . The blossom have a flattened shape and lack the beards base on the whiskered fleur-de-lis . This works can acquire from 24 to 48 inches tall . Nipponese irises come in a variety of colours , include aristocratical , purple , pinkish , and white .
Are bearded irises a hybrid ?
The classification of Bearded Irises is peculiarly complex . alas , Linnaeus pose the origination for this complexness by miscall a hybrid as a species . Irises are get it on to complicate matter by cross in the wild . Plant genteelness and improved genetic data complicates the Iris genus further .
