Iris ‘Thornbird’ (Bearded Iris)

With blooms making a distinctly striking statement, multiple award-winning Iris ‘Thornbird’ is grown enthusiastically throughout North America. How to possibly resist the charm of these pale ecru standards sailing on greenish tan falls, slightly darker at the hafts, with contrasting mustard beards and dramatic deep violet horns popping up? Quite unique, this late midseason iris is also vigorous and prolific, often yielding more than one stem per rhizome. A very impressive grower, this Tall Bearded Iris rises up to 37 inches high (92 cm) atop the 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 major awards including the Honorable Mention (1991), Award of Merit (1993), Wister Medal (1996), Award of Garden Merit of the royal Horticultural society as well as the prestigious Dykes Medal (1997)
• 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.