Iris is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family. It contains more than 300 species and many hybrids and cultivars. It's useful to become familiar with the groups or subgenus divisions, as this helps to sort out similar species, an aid when approaching their cultivation.
The topic of the week for March 2004 was Iris. The Introduction was supplied by Robert Pries. He also prepared an Iris Summary summarizing the proposed changes in how this genus could be divided in the future.
Three genera that were formerly separated from Iris are now included in the genus: Belamcanda, Hermodactylus, and Pardanthopsis.
Bulbous irises with wiki pages are Juno Irises, Reticulata Irises, and Spanish Irises. Hybrids of Spanish Irises are called Dutch Irises and will be pictured on the Spanish Irises page.
Irises with rhizomes that have wiki pages are Aril Irises, Beardless iris A-K - Beardless iris L-R - Beardless iris S-Z - Crested Irises, Garden Bearded Irises, and Pacific Coast Irises.
Miscellaneous Irises includes species that are not listed on one of the other pages.
Click on the name in the table below to find more information and/or to see photographs of the named species or cultivar.
To see more Iris pictures go to the SIGNA species database. You can also get more information on Aril irises from the Aril Society International. The American Iris Society has created an Iris encyclopedia with information and photos.
Aril Irises - Belamcanda - Beardless iris A-K - Beardless iris L-R - Beardless iris S-Z - Crested Irises - Garden Bearded Irises - Hermodactylus - Juno Irises - Miscellaneous Irises - Pacific Coast Irises - Pardanthopsis - Reticulata Irises - Spanish Irises