Iris About Town (Bearded Iris)

Ravishingly beautiful, Iris ‘About Town’ is a sumptuous Tall Bearded Iris ruffled and laced to perfection. The sumptuous flowers feature silvery mauve to silvery lilac standards sitting on a wine-red violet skirt delicately edged with a lilac ribbon

Ravishingly beautiful, Iris 'About Town' is a sumptuous Tall Bearded Iris ruffled and laced to perfection. The sumptuous flowers feature silvery mauve to silvery lilac standards sitting on a wine-red violet skirt delicately edged with a lilac ribbon, all providing a stunning contrast with the bright tangerine beards. This startling early midseason Iris always creates a stunning effect in the spring border. Perfectly branched, 'About Town' is a vigorous grower with up to 10 buds per stem, guaranteeing a long-lasting floral display. Incredibly classy, and bounteously ruffled, it rises up to 40 inches high (100 cm) atop a lovely sword-shaped foliage that 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.
  • 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-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, 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