Dutch Iris vs Bearded Iris: Key Differences Between Two Classic Irises
Irises are one of the most iconic flowers in the garden, prized for their elegant blooms and ease of care. Within the iris family, two of the most popular types grown are Dutch irises and bearded irises. While both offer outstanding beauty, there are some notable differences between these two iris varieties.
In this article, we’ll explore the key 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 botanical name Iris hollandica, are native to the Mediterranean region. They are a type of miniature bulb iris that typically grows 1-2 feet tall on slender, upright stems.
The blooms of Dutch irises are absolutely stunning. They come in a wide palette of colors including various shades of blue, purple, yellow, pink, orange, and white. The blooms feature six petals in an elegant, symmetrical form with the three upright “standards” and three downward facing “falls.”
One of the signature features of Dutch irises is their prominent markings on the falls, often in a contrasting color. This adds beautiful detailing to the already eye-catching blooms.
In terms of size, Dutch iris blooms range from about 3-4 inches across on average. The blooms are held above the slender, upright foliage which has an almost grass-like appearance.
Dutch irises bloom in late spring, generally during May and June. After the initial spring flowering, the foliage will go dormant through summer before emerging again in fall.
These irises perform best in full sun and well-drained soil. They are one of the easiest irises to grow and are ideal for pots, borders, and mass plantings. The bulbs should be planted in fall at a depth of 4-6 inches.
Key Features:
- Slender, grass-like foliage
- Large blooms in wide color range
- Prominent contrast markings
- Blooms late spring
- Grows from bulbs
- Does well in pots and borders
Bearded Irises
Bearded irises, scientifically known as Iris germanica, are rhizomatous perennial irises that are native to Europe and Asia. They are characterized by their large, ruffled blooms and the prominent “beards” on the falls of the flowers.
In terms of size, bearded irises range from petite dwarfs under 6 inches to tall bearded varieties reaching 4 feet in height. Colors encompass just about every shade imaginable, from white to black to rich jewel tones.
The large blooms of bearded iris can grow up to 6 inches across. They have a voluminous, ruffled form with wide, overlapping petals. The beards are a distinguishing feature, appearing as fuzzy, colorful hairs along the midline of the falls.
Blooming occurs in spring to early summer, generally during April through June. The sword-like foliage remains evergreen in warmer climates but may die back to the ground during winter in colder areas.
Bearded irises thrive best in full sun and prefer drier soil that drains well. Excellent drainage is key to prevent diseases like bacterial leaf spot and soft rot. They should be planted shallowly with rhizomes exposed.
Key Features:
- Large, heavily ruffled blooms
- Distinctive beards on falls
- Enormous color range
- Tall sizes up to 4 feet
- Blooms mid spring to early summer
- Grows from rhizomes
- Prefers very well-drained soil
Differences in Petals
When it comes to the petals, there are some clear differences between Dutch irises and bearded irises.
Dutch iris petals have a very sleek, slender form. They are pointed and relatively narrow, especially the standards. This gives the blooms an elegant, streamlined look.
Bearded iris petals have a fuller, more ruffled form with very broad, overlapping petals. The wide petals can make the blooms up to 6 inches across. The texture is also more velvety compared to the satin-like petals of Dutch iris.
In addition to the beards, bearded iris petals may feature intricate veining, speckles, or other markings. More minimalistic patterns and solid colors are more common among Dutch iris.
Foliage Differences
The foliage of these two types of irises is quite distinct. Dutch irises have long, slender leaves that almost resemble blades of grass. The leaves are linear in shape and remain unbranched.
Bearded irises, on the other hand, have wide, flat, sword-shaped leaves with a branching habit. Especially when mature, the plants take on a large, bushy clump up to several feet wide.
The foliage of Dutch iris tends to stay more upright, while bearded iris foliage often arches and falls around the outer edges of the clump.
Ideal Growing Conditions
When it comes to ideal growing conditions, there are some subtle differences between these two classic irises.
Dutch irises are very adaptable and tolerant of most soil types provided drainage is adequate. They seem to thrive in cooler climates and can even tolerate partial shade. Wet soils are fine as long as they are not waterlogged.
Bearded irises, on the other hand, demand excellent drainage and really thrive in hot, sunny locations. Too much moisture can lead to disease issues with bearded iris, especially in heavy clay soil.
Both types prefer slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels. Dutch irises are a bit more forgiving of acidic soils than bearded iris.
Ongoing Care
Caring for these lovely irises is quite simple with just a few maintenance practices to remember.
For Dutch iris, it’s important to remove spent blooms promptly before seeds form. Cut back the faded flower stalks but leave the foliage intact. Water during dry periods to keep the soil moderately moist.
Bearded iris may need occasional division if the clumps get overcrowded, which is typically done in late summer. Water during droughts but avoid wet feet. Remove spent blooms and tattered foliage as needed to maintain a neat appearance.
Pests and Problems
Dutch iris and bearded iris are both relatively trouble-free if grown in suitable conditions. However, some potential pests and problems to watch for include:
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Iris borers – can damage leaves and rhizomes of bearded iris. Keep area clean of debris.
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Fungal diseases – leaf spot, soft rot. Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
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Rodents like gophers – may chew on fleshy rhizomes. Use wiring mesh when planting.
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Ants or aphids – can be a nuisance pest on flowers and foliage. Use insecticidal soap.
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Soggy soils – can lead to bulb or rhizome rot in Dutch and bearded iris. Improve drainage.
While there are many commonalities between Dutch iris and bearded iris, a close examination reveals some notable differences that influence their performance and uses in the garden. Whether you’re looking for a petite container iris or a majestic specimen, one of these timeless classics is sure to be a great fit. With a basic understanding of their unique qualities, you’ll be able to grow these elegant irises successfully for years of enjoyment.
Choosing Between Iris Types: Bulb vs Perennial
People often ask us if iris come from bulbs or are perennials. This is why there is some mix-up: One type is the bulbous iris, which includes the Dutch iris and the Dwarf iris. The other is the perennial iris, which includes the German iris, the Japanese iris, the Louisiana iris, the Siberian iris, and the Yellow Flag iris.
Perennial 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 bloom.
HOW TO DIVIDE AND REPLANT IRIS / HOW AND WHEN TO DIVIDE AND REPLANT BEARDED IRIS
FAQ
What is the difference between Dutch iris and regular iris?
Do Dutch iris bulbs multiply?
What is the prettiest iris?
Do Dutch irises like sun or shade?
What is the difference between a bearded iRise and a Dutch Iris?
Like the bearded iris, the Dutch iris’s flowers have three falls and three standards. However, they lack the beards that characterize the bearded iris. Dutch irises also tend to be a bit smaller than bearded irises, growing 18-24 inches tall. They come in a variety of colors but are usually blue, yellow, or white.
What is the difference between a beardless iris and a bearded iris?
A beardless iris, such as the Siberian variety, blooms later than bearded iris and has both upright and lower petals without the beards. They are less ornate. Dutch iris is grown from bulbs and grows to 22-26 inches tall. How long does a bearded iris live? Because bearded irises multiply, there is no limit to how long they can live.
What do bearded irises look like?
Bearded irises have “beards” on their petals that resemble fuzzy caterpillars. Also called the German iris, this is one of the most popular types of irises to grow in gardens. The bearded iris comes in over 60,000 different cultivars. Most bearded irises grown in gardens are one of these cultivars rather than the wild type.
How do you know if an iris is a Dutch type?
If your plant has a bulb and blooms in midsummer it will be a Dutch type. Most iris grow from rhizomes and if you have one of these you will need to have a closer look at the flower in order to identify its type.
Do Japanese irises have beards?
The Japanese iris is a water-loving species commonly grown along the edges of ponds and streams. The flowers have a flattened shape and lack the beards found on the bearded iris. This plant can grow from 24 to 48 inches tall. Japanese irises come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
Are bearded irises a hybrid?
The classification of Bearded Irises is particularly complex. Unfortunately, Linnaeus laid the foundations for this complexity by misnaming a hybrid as a species. Irises are known to complicate matters by hybridising in the wild. Plant breeding and improved genetic information complicates the Iris genus further.