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Iris fulva (Copper Iris)

Copper Iris, Tawny Iris, American Copper Iris

AGM Award
Iris fulva, Copper Iris, Tawny Iris, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Orange Iris

Perfect for standing water, Iris fulva (Copper Iris) is a striking perennial with unusual, flat-topped, beardless flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), the warm color of copper, terracotta, brick-red, and sometimes yellow. Blooming in late spring to early summer, they rise atop upright stakes reaching 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm). The beauty of the flowers attracts hummingbirds. This Iris species forms foliage clumps of sword-shaped, arching, bright green leaves which arise from shallowly rooted, branching rhizomes and remain attractive through the growing season.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. Part shade is appreciated in hot summer areas. May be grown in up to 6 in. (15 cm) of standing water
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders with consistent moisture, bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens, and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
  • Attractive to hummingbirds, but ignored by deer!
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to the United States.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Missouri, Illinois, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Iris Species
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Primula pulverulenta (Candelabra Primrose)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Missouri, Illinois, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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