Iris hollandica (Dutch Iris)

While called ‘Dutch Iris’, this iris never grew wild in the Netherlands. Instead, it is the product of hybridizations carried out by Dutch growers. Tall and slender, it features flowers that are 4 in. wide (10 cm) with flower stalks, surrounded by gray reed-like leaves, that are very sturdy – a quality which makes them quite suitable for use as cut flowers.

While called 'Dutch Iris', this iris never grew wild in the Netherlands. Instead, it is the product of hybridizations carried out by Dutch growers. Tall and slender, it features flowers that are 4 in. wide (10 cm) with flower stalks, surrounded by gray reed-like leaves, that are very sturdy – a quality which makes them quite suitable for use as cut flowers. The color assortment is very wide and includes bicolored varieties.

  • Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer for 2-3 weeks.
  • Generally growing up to 22-26 inches tall (55-65 cm), it makes excellent cut flowers!
  • Easily grown in averagemedium moisturewell-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some afternoon shade.
  • Lovely in beds and borders. Spectacular when planted in groups (at least 20 bulbs)!
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • To plant in fall or spring
  • Ingestion may cause discomfort.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 – 9

Heat Zones 1 – 9

Climate Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2B
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Iris Hollandica – Dutch Irises
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 3" (7cm)
Spacing 3" (7cm)
Depth 5" (12cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden