Family: Iridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 38 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: hybrid
Genus: Iris
Vegetable: False
Observations: NW. Balkan Pen.
Description
The German iris, scientifically known as Iris × germanica, is a stunning and versatile perennial plant that has captivated plant enthusiasts and gardeners for centuries. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species has a rich botanical heritage and has found a comfortable home across various regions, particularly in the northwestern parts of the Balkan Peninsula.
Belonging to the Iridaceae family, the German iris is celebrated for its vibrant and diverse array of blooms. The plant typically features sword-like leaves and grows in a fan-shaped pattern which adds an architectural charm to gardens and landscapes. The flowers of Iris × germanica are particularly notable for their exquisite color spectrum, ranging from deep purples and blues to pristine whites and sunny yellows, often highlighted by intricate markings and patterns.
One of the crucial aspects of the German iris is its adaptability. This hardy plant thrives in a variety of environments, but it particularly excels in well-drained soils and locations that receive ample sunlight. Its robust nature makes it a valuable addition to gardens where it can offer vibrancy and structure, blooming spectacularly in the late spring to early summer.
The German iris has a significant presence in horticulture due to its ease of care and its ability to propagate through rhizomes. This not only makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners but also ensures its spread and sustainability across different regions.
In summary, the German iris is a plant of remarkable beauty and resilience. Thanks to its rich history, stunning floral displays, and adaptability, Iris × germanica remains a beloved choice for adding elegance and color to gardens worldwide.
Common Names
En: German iris, Bearded Iris, Flags
Cs: Kosatec německý
Da: Have-iris
Nl: Blauwe lis
Et: Aed-võhumõõk
Fr: Iris bleu d’Allemagne, Iris d’Allemagne
De: Deutsche Schwertlilie
Lt: Mėlynžiedis vilkdalgis
Mt: Fjurdulis ikħal
Pt: Flor-de-lis, Lírio-cardano, Lírio-cardeno, Lírio-germânico, Lírio-roxo, Íris
Es: Lirio
Sv: Trädgårdsiris
Cy: Gellesg Barfog, Gellesgen Farfog, Iris Farfog
Synonyms
- Iris × germanica var. amas (Dykes)
- Iris variegata var. lurida ((Aiton) Nyman)
- Iris × belouinii (Bois & Cornuault)
- Iris × violacea (Savi)
- Iris × germanica var. gypsea (Rodigas)
- Iris × germanica var. fontarabie (Dykes)
- Iris × humei (G.Don)
- Iris × piatrae (Prodán)
- Iris × macrantha (Simonet)
- Iris × florentinoides (Prodan ex Nyár.)
- Iris × alba (Savi)
- Iris × nepalensis (Wall. ex Lindl.)
- Iris × germanica var. lurida ((Aiton) Nyman)
- Iris × glauca (Salisb.)
- Iris × vulgaris (Pohl)
- Iris × mesopotamica (Dykes)
- Iris × rothschildii (Degen)
- Iris × germanica var. denticulata (Merino)
- Iris × redouteana (Spach)
- Iris × nostras (Garsault)
- Iris × biliottii (Foster)
- Iris × venusta (J.Booth ex Berg)
- Iris × germanica var. askabadensis (Dykes)
- Iris × amoena (Redouté)
- Iris × germanica var. sivas (G.Nicholson)
- Iris × squalens (L.)
- Iris × buiana var. virescens (Prodán)
- Iris × germanica var. kharput (Dykes)
- Iris × deflexa (Knowles & Westc.)
- Iris florentina var. pallida (Nyman)
- Iris × buiana (Prodán)
- Iris × squalens var. rosea (Prodan & Buia)
- Iris × germanica var. pumila (Roth)
- Iris × australis (Tod.)
- Iris × neglecta (Hornem.)
- Iris × pallida (Ten.)
- Iris × laciniata (Berg)
- Iris × spectabilis (Salisb.)
- Iris × tardiflora (Berg)
- Iris × atroviolacea (Lange)
- Iris × germanica var. nepalensis ((Wall. ex Lindl.) Herb.)
- Iris × germanica var. alba (Dykes)
- Iris × repanda (Berg)
- Iris × trojana (A.Kern. ex Stapf)
- Iris × cypriana (Foster & Baker)
- Iris × sambucina (L.)
- Iris pallida subsp. australis ((Tod.) K.Richt.)
- Iris × murorum (Gaterau)
- Iris × germanica variegata (Abbey)
- Iris florentina var. alba ((Savi) DC.)
- Iris × latifolia (Gilib.)
- Iris × germanica var. australis ((Tod.) Dykes)
- Iris × superba (Berg)
- Iris × varbossania (K.Malý)
- Iris × nyaradyana (Prodán)
- Iris × lurida (Aiton)
- Iris × squalens var. biflora (Prodan & Buia)
- Iris × croatica (Horvat & M.D.Horvat)
Distribution
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Afghanistan (introduced)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Albania (introduced)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Baleares (introduced)
- Belarus (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Central European Rus (introduced)
- Corse (introduced)
- Cyprus (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- East European Russia (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Hungary (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Iran (introduced)
- Iraq (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Kazakhstan (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Kriti (introduced)
- Krym (introduced)
- Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
- Libya (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Minnesota (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Turkey (introduced)
- Turkmenistan (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 10, 2020 by Martínez Olga (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2019 by ryro26 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Danieles Manríquez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2020 by franala (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by karl lynay (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 18, 2020 by Idril (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Erika Samanta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Hannah Frimpong (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2016 by Simon Williams (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by trees flinkerbusch (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 14, 2020 by Fabi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Gi Gillian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Sebastian Smith (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:438637-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris × germanica L.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5298069)