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You are here: Home / Flowers & Plants / Louisiana Irises

Updated on September 2, 2016

Louisiana Irises

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If you want an iris that has a lot of color but is very low maintenance, maybe the Louisiana iris if for you. The wide variety of colors and shapes in these irises make them very popular.

This is a favorite of mine and I find the unique flowers gorgeous. The leaves are attractive, providing texture in the garden long after the blooms are gone. With such easy care, what’s not to love?

There are five species of Louisiana irises. These are native to the southeastern U.S. Many hybrids have been developed from these species. The five species are: Iris hexagona, Iris fulva, Iris brevicaulis, Iris giganticaerulea, and Iris nelsonii.

These irises flower in March through April, providing rich color to your garden.

white-louisiana-iris

Planting and care of Louisiana irises

Louisiana irises are swamp-loving plants and can be found in wet areas. You can even grow these irises in your ponds in a pot. In times of drought, you may need to keep this plant watered for it to perform well.

They prefer full sun (6 to 8 hours) but can tolerate some shade. The leaves are narrower than typical cultivated iris leaves, making them look a little more grass-like.

Louisiana irises can tolerate a wide range of soil acidity levels and types of soils. Since their native range includes a lot of clay soil, they are a good choice for those with this type of soil.

purple-la-iris

Propagation

The easiest way to propagate this plant is to divide tubers in late summer (August and September). After the new plants are transplanted and the original plants and replanted, be sure to keep the beds well watered for a few days.

Additional Resources

  • Learn more about Iris giganticaerulea – the giant blue iris.
  • Clemson University has some information on Louisiana irises
Bunch of Louisiana irises planted along a pond
Bunch of Louisiana irises planted along a pond

Louisiana irises

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Article by Garden Experiments / Flowers & Plants / clay soil, flowers, full sun, moist soil, native plants, spring, spring flowers

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Welcome! My name is Kathy and I live in Mississippi Zone 7B. Gardening has always relaxed and rooted me (literally!). It's my happy place. With over 25 years of gardening, I am far from an expert, but I learn from all my experiments. This blog talks about the plants, backyard critters, and more that have made my garden special. Read More

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