Iris ‘Better Than Butter’ (Bearded Iris)

Noted for its fragrance and beauty, Iris ‘Better Than Butter’ beams in the spring garden throughout the bloom season. This lovely Tall Bearded Iris features ruffled silky white standards, elegantly trimmed in glittering golden yellow, sitting on buttery yellow falls, and conspicuous tangerine beards. Rich with a musky fragrance, ‘Better Than Better’ is quite floriferous and produces up to 8-9 buds per stem for a long-lasting floral display that can last up to 4 weeks.

‘Better Than Butter’ is an Early Mid Late season Bearded Iris, which means that it will begin blooming early in the season, then produce another flush of blooms in the middle of the season, and again late in the season. The mouth-watering flowers are held high on sturdy stems and rise elegantly up to 41 inches high (102 cm) atop the lovely sword-shaped foliage which will continue to add interest to the landscape after flowering is over.   

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won many awards, including the Honorable Mention (2012) and the Award of Merit (2014) of the American Iris Society.
• A profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer. Please note that bloom times depend very much on the weather.
• Performs best in full sun in humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent rot issues.
• Grows from creeping rhizomes which store food produced by the sword-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves and form large clumps over time
• A welcomed addition to herbaceous borders, sunny courtyards, or urban gardens where the sword-like foliage and vibrant color will combine harmoniously with the stones and angular hardscaping. Roses also provide a lovely backdrop for this tall variety.
• The best time to plant bearded irises is July through September. Container-grown iris can be planted in the spring.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Bearded irises are classified by height and flower size into 6 groups. Since these groups bloom at slightly different times, combining specimens from different groups will extend your color display for a couple of weeks.