Iridaceae - Botanical Family

Eleutherine bulbosa is a small plant native to Central to South America, and is known for its white or off-white flowers. It typically grows 2-5 ft and can survive in USDA zone 9-11. In order to grow this attractive plant, it should be planted in full sun and watered regularly. This ethnomedical plant is used in cooking and pickling in Borneo, with the bulb being similar to a miniature red onion with a spicy taste.

When caring for Eleutherine bulbosa, they should be watered 2-3 times a week in the warmer months and once a week in the cooler months. To encourage the most blooms, deadhead any flowers that have wilted to promote new growth. If grown in a pot, particularly in cold regions such as USDA zone 9-11, the pot should be placed in a sheltered spot to protect it from dry conditions and frost. In colder climates, ensure that the soil is well drained and maintain a layer of mulch near the roots to keep the roots insulated from frost. However, the plant should not be overwatered, as the plant can become waterlogged in colder months. Prune it in spring to encourage more flowering. With these easy care instructions, you can enjoy the beauty of Eleutherine bulbosa in your garden!

There are around 14 species, most growing in winter rainfall, summer dry climates.

Iris is a large genus of flowering plants native to the northern temperate regions, valued for their striking blooms and wide range of colors. They are widely grown in ornamental gardens for their distinctive flowers and elegant foliage. Bearded irises are among the most popular hybrids, thriving in full sun with excellent drainage, good air circulation, and average to rich sandy loam soil. Proper care helps prevent issues such as rhizome rot, leaf spot, and iris borer infestations.

Most cultivated irises grow 2 5 ft tall and produce flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, yellow, and pink, with some bicolored and patterned forms. While not all are fragrant, some varieties have a pleasant scent and attract pollinators. Regular watering is needed during active growth, with reduced amounts in cooler months. Rhizomes should be divided and replanted in midsummer after flowering. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 9, irises are best grown outdoors in climates with cold winters to stimulate blooming.

Iris Bearded Group yellow cultivar is a perennial ornamental plant valued for its large, ruffled flowers in clear yellow tones. Like other bearded irises, it forms a fan of sword-shaped, grey-green leaves arising from thick rhizomes. The flower stems carry several blooms, each with three upright standards and three downward falls marked by a soft "beard" of fuzzy hairs. This vivid yellow form brings strong color accents to spring borders and mixed plantings, and its bright hue pairs well with contrasting blues, purples, or whites in the garden. One notable variety is Iris 'Tiger Honey', which combines a warm yellow base with subtle brown veining on the falls for added depth and texture.

Grow bearded irises in full sun with excellent drainage and good air circulation to prevent rhizome rot and leaf spot. Average to rich sandy loam is ideal. Water regularly during active growth, reducing in cooler months. Divide and replant rhizomes in midsummer after flowering to maintain vigor. Remove any diseased foliage and destroy affected rhizomes to control pests such as iris borers. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 9, these cultivars thrive in climates with cold winters to encourage strong blooming.

Plant in fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Adapts to most soil types. Blackberry Lily is quite unique as it tolerates wet soils and drought conditions. The foliage looks similar to an Iris. When ripe the seed pods look like clusters of Blackberries and are useful in dried arrangements.

Iris is a genus of flowering plants with showy flowers ranging in color from gold or yellow to white, blue, lavender and purple. Pink and apricot colored irises have also been bred in some species. The name "Iris" can be applied either to the genus, or to any of the species within it. It is also applied to various subdivisions within the genus.

There are many species of Iris, widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone. All Irises have long stems and six-lobed flowers with three petals sagging downwards (actually large sepals in the same color as the flower), and three standing upright. Some smaller iris species have all six lobes pointing straight outwards. Typical irises grow from a creeping rhizome, but some species, known as bulbous irises, have a bulb. The cushion irises are somewhat fastidious growers, and to be successful with them they must be planted rather shallow in very gritty well-drained soil. They should not be disturbed in the, autumn, and after the leaves have withered the roots should be protected from heavy rains until growth starts again naturaily.

Beardless irises comprise the Pacific Coast irises, Siberian, Spuria, Laevigata the water or Japanese irises, Louisiana, Unguiculares and Crested irises. Louisiana iris can survive in cold climates with winter protection, moved to a cold frame or frost free cellar.

This dwarf Iris is highly variegated and incredibly striking. It produces light lavender flowers in spring. The show starts with rich purple flowers, then about mid summer, the leaves become shiny and heavily cream variegated. Likes most soils, not too dry and grows in water.

This species is similar to Iris japonica variegata, which has well ruffled mostly white flowers, striking variegated leaves, likes moist soil in part shade and spreads vigorously as opposed to Iris tectorum variegata that has a better behaved growth habit.

Candy lilies are hybrids between Belamcanda chinensis and Pardanthopsis dichotoma. They are very similar to Belamcanda but with larger flowers in a wider range of colors from blue and purples through yellows, reds, oranges, and bi-colors, with or without dark spots on the petals. Individual blooms last for one day but keep coming for weeks. Superb for cutting or any sunny border.

Ixia gloriosa is a striking South African bulbous plant, native to the Western Cape province, where it grows in sunny, well-drained, sandy soils, often in fynbos vegetation.

It produces tall, slender stems topped with star-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of red, pink, or purple, often with contrasting dark centers.

Water: Moderate during growth; dry during dormancy.

Best suited for USDA Zones 8 10. In cooler zones, bulbs should be lifted and stored over winter or grown in containers and brought indoors.

Ixia viridiflora is a frost tender plant, thriving best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. In cold climates, this small plant (2-5 feet in height) can be grown in a container and indoor during cold spells. For the container growing, use a potting mix that is well drained, as Ixia viridiflora is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Plant the bulbs in autumn and they will form clumps that will remain in place for many years. During the growing season, give them enough water and fertilizer to sustain growth, particularly when the flower buds are developing. If the winter is too cold, or the bulbs are not well protected, they will not bloom the following summer. To protect the bulbs during winter, you must provide enough insulation like mulch or soil around the plants. When all the flowers have faded and the leaves have died down, the bulb can be lifted and dry stored in a dry and cool place before replanting in autumn. As one of the more unusual plants, Ixia viridiflora makes for a great addition to any garden.