What soil does Bearded iris grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Bearded iris hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Bearded iris toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Bearded iris flower?

Flowering: April–June, purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze.

How much water does Bearded iris need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Bearded iris cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,200 to HUF 3,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Bearded iris

Iris × germanica

Bearded iris (Iris × germanica) is a perennial. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,200.

Illustration of Bearded iris — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

The large-flowered, often scented star of late spring and early summer, in almost every colour and colour combination, with sword-shaped leaves held in fans; it belongs in a sunny, warm, dry bed and copes well with limy soil and summer drought. Height differs a lot between groups: dwarf varieties are 15 to 30 cm and open as early as late April, intermediates are 40 to 70 cm, and tall varieties are 70 to 120 cm and flower in late May and early June, with a few reblooming in autumn. Plant the rhizome with its top at the soil surface where the sun reaches it, do not mulch over it, and divide the clump every 3 or 4 years after flowering.

Watch out for

The main problem is soft rot of the rhizome: in heavy, wet soil, when planted too deep or under mulch the rhizome turns soft and rots with a foul smell, so good drainage matters most. In wet weather fungal leaf spot browns the foliage; remove and destroy affected leaves. Slugs, snails and aphids damage leaves and flowers, and rust and mosaic virus also occur. The iris borer moth named as the top pest in American guides is a North American species and is not mentioned by Central European sources. Crowded clumps flower less after a few years, which is why they need regular dividing; large-flowered modern varieties are fussier than the old ones.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.2–1.2 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	April–June, purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about HUF 1,200

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 1,200 – HUF 3,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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