Iris ‘Mary Frances’ (Bearded Iris)

Magnificent and scented, award-winner Iris ‘Mary Frances’ features lovely blue-orchid flowers delicately splashed with pristine white on their falls. Arched and domed, the standards sit on wide, flaring falls adorned with golden beards frosted white at their tips. Huge, the flowers of this midseason bloomer can reach up to 6 in. (15 cm). Perfectly branched and prolific, with up to 6-9 buds per stem and occasionally up to 12, ‘Mary Frances’ provides a long-lasting floral display. No wonder this stately Tall Bearded Iris won the most prestigious award of the American Iris Society, the Dykes Medal in 1979. Fragrant, the blooms of this classic iris rise with majesty up to 38 inches high (95 cm) atop a 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 (1974), the Award of Merit (1976), and the prestigious Dykes Medal (1979).
• 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.