Iris ‘Secret Rites’ (Bearded Iris)

Noted for its tall stature, sweet fragrance, and beauty, Iris ‘Secret Rites’ adds a ray of sunshine to your spring garden. This midseason Tall Bearded Iris features greenish gold falls darkening to lemon yellow around a golden beard and crowned by chartreuse standards heavily brushed with aster violet at their bases. Sweetly fragrant, the lightly ruffled blossoms of this spectacular Bearded Iris never fail to draw attention. Its large flowers are held high on sturdy stems and rise elegantly up to 40 inches high (100 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 (2007) and the Award of Merit (2010) of the American Iris Society.
• Profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer. 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.