Iris Absolute Treasure (Bearded Iris)

Noted for its tall stature and sweet fragrance, award-winner Iris ‘Absolute Treasure’ is a very impressive bearded iris with heavily ruffled sky blue standards floating above slightly paler falls and pleasantly contrasting with the white beard white, tipped gold. A definite diva in the spring garden. 42 inches tall (105 cm).

Noted for its tall stature and sweet fragrance, award-winner Iris 'Absolute Treasure' is a very impressive bearded iris with heavily ruffled sky blue standards floating above slightly paler falls and pleasantly contrasting with the white beard white, tipped gold. Its large flowers are held high on sturdy stems and rise elegantly up to 42 inches high (105 cm) atop a lovely sword-shaped foliage which will continue to add interest to the landscape after flowering is over. A definite diva in the spring garden. 

  • Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
  • Recipient of many awards including the Honorable Mention (2008), Award of Merit (2010), and the Wister Medal (2011).
  • A 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-richmedium moisturewell-drained soilsTolerates 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 borderssunny 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris Germanica – Bearded Irises
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage