Iris spuria ‘Sahara Sands’ (Blue Iris)

Tall and graceful, Iris spuria ‘Sahara Sands’ is an elegant rhizomatous perennial with attractive beardless, golden yellow to sand-colored flowers, with slim standards and falls. Native to Central and Southern Europe, this iris reaches a height of 42 in. 107 cm) and generally blooms 1 to 2 weeks after the Tall Bearded Irises – providing a striking display in late spring to early summer.

• Won the Honorable Mention award (1977)
• Growing in clumps with handsome narrow linear leaves to 1 ft. long (30 cm), this iris will reward you with beautiful blooms and long-lasting cut flowers.
• Sets seed easily and will naturalize into large clumps.
• Attracts bees and butterflies and is usually deer resistant.
• Performs best in full sun, in rich, humusy, medium moisture, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in areas that have extremely high temperatures in the summer. However, both flowering performance and disease resistance may be altered. While consistent moisture should be provided during the growing season, wet soils are to be avoided to avoid rot issues. Less moisture is needed after blooming since most spurias are summer dormant (Do not water your spuria irises when dormant as this will cause rot).
• Drought tolerant once established. Spuria irises are very heavy feeders, so make sure you fertilize them regularly prior to bloom.
• Makes a great focal point and is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, wall-side borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, and cottage gardens.
• Should be planted in mid to late summer, about 2 in. deep (5 cm) and 24-36 in. apart (60-90 cm). Space your irises far enough apart to grow in the same location for years as spuria irises resent being transplanted. Spuria irises usually do not bloom the first year after planting. The second year should produce several bloom stalks.
• Deadhead spent flowers and remove any dying foliage in fall. Old flower stems can be cut down after blooming is over, not only for neatness but to allow air to reach the rhizomes.
• Divide plants immediately after flowering when overcrowding occurs (every 3-4 years). Propagate by division of rhizomes from mid-summer to early fall
• May be attacked by slugs, snails, and thrips and be subject to gray molds, mustard seed fungus, or crown rot.
• Tips to get your spuria irises to bloom: (1) Don’t plant the rhizomes too deep, (2) Provide enough light, (3) Don’t over-fertilize (4) Divide your plants when overcrowded.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Iris spuria is native to central and southern Europe and from Algeria to Iran.