Iris ‘Ocelot’ (Bearded Iris)

How not to stare at this superb Iris? Multiple award-winning Iris ‘Ocelot’ is exceptionally beautiful with its pale peach standards, rich plum falls, and bright tangerine beards. Nicely ruffled, the blossoms of this spectacular Bearded Iris never fail to draw attention, whether in the garden or at home where they will enjoy a long vase life. Vigorous, ‘Ocelot’ bears 6-8 double-socketed buds per stem for a long-lasting floral display. The blossoms are held high on sturdy stems and rise elegantly up to 36 inches high (90 cm) atop a lovely sword-shaped foliage which will continue to add interest to the landscape after flowering is over. An outstanding early midseason iris!

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won many major awards including the Honorable Mention (2000) and Award of Merit (2002) from the American Iris Society.
• 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 to 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.