Iris ‘Rare Treat’ (Bearded Iris)

Visually arresting, Iris ‘Rare Treat’ is an eye-popping Tall Bearded Iris with pristine white blooms adorned with purple-blue stitches on its nicely ruffled edges. This vigorous, early midseason bloomer produces up to 6-7 buds on finely branched stems for a long-lasting floral display. Introducing a bold and elegant statement in the spring garden, ‘Rare Treat’ rises up to 34 inches high (85 cm) atop a lovely blue-green sword-shaped foliage.

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won the Honorable Mention Award in 1989 and the Award of Merit in 1992 as an indication of its many fabulous qualities.
• A profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer and rebloom in late summer or early fall.
• 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.