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 |
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 |