Iris ‘Dauntless’ (Bearded Iris)

Glowing like fire across the spring garden, award-winner Iris ‘Dauntless’ is one of the oldest and finest red irises. Perfectly shaped flowers beautifully held on tall stems and lasting over a long season earned this Tall Bearded Iris the most prestigious award of the American Iris Society, the Dykes Medal in 1929. The elegant red standards float gracefully atop darker velvety burgundy-red falls which are adorned with tangerine beards and grace the garden for weeks each spring. The spectacular blooms of this heirloom iris rise with majesty up to 36 inches high (90 cm) atop the lovely sword-shaped foliage which will continue to add interest in the landscape after flowering is over. A midseason bloomer, ‘Dauntless’ has been a favorite since its introduction in 1929! 

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won many major awards, including the prestigious Dykes Medal (1929) the year of its introduction!
• A profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer over a long blooming period. 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.