Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris x robusta 'Gerald Darby'

Iris laevigata 'Gerald Darby', Iris versicolor 'Gerald Darby', Iris 'Gerald Darby'


Iris x robusta 'Gerald Darby' is a rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of narrow, arching, sword-shaped leaves stained purple at their base. In late spring to early summer, unbranched purplish stems boasting 3-4 violet-blue flowers adorned with deep yellow signals on mostly white falls. Very handsome in and out of bloom, Gerald Darby is a central landscape plant for the water garden, near ponds and streams. This marginal aquatic plant is also a lovely addition to moist borders.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm). Clumps will spread steadily over time.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. This iris may be grown in up to 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) of shallow standing water.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails, iris borer and iris thrips, gray mold, rots, and viruses. Deer resistant.
  • Remove any dying foliage, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
  • Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Nancy J. Ondra, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Guides with Iris - Other

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