Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris fulva (Copper Iris)

Copper Iris, Tawny Iris, American Copper 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.

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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 Iris - Other
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, Midwest, Illinois, Missouri, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Guides with Iris - Other


Peganum (Flickr)

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.


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 Iris - Other
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
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, Midwest, Illinois, Missouri, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Guides with Iris - Other

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