Iris germanica or 'German Iris', 19th century botanical illustration

Iris germanica grows up to 120 cm high and 30 cm wide. The roots can go up to 10 cm deep. It is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms in April to June. Lifting, dividing and replanting the rhizomes is best done once flowering has finished as this is when the plant grows the new shoots that will flower the following year.

Hundreds of hybrids exist representing every colour from jet black to sparkling whites. The only colour really missing is bright scarlet.

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Pictures From History