bearded iris
Iris germanica
bearded iris (Iris germanica) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 36 in tall and 6 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; CSU 6.305 score 8.0 of 10.
On the CSFS firewise listlow to medium water12 to 36 in tall and 6 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseLow ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10Deer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "00 1238 Deutsche Schwertlilie (Iris × germanica)" by W. Bulach is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 2: "Iris germanica 160505" by Picture taken by BerndH is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "Iris germanica 002" by Za is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: "Iris Germanica 2012-2" by User:GinoMM is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "iris germanica lila" by Recuerdos del arcoiris is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Lliri blau - Iris germanica" by tgrauros is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12 to 36 in tall and 6 to 24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17 to 24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Low ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is bearded iris good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, bearded iris is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting bearded iris?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does bearded iris get?
- It matures to about 12 to 36 in tall and 6 to 24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant bearded iris?
- Space bearded iris about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is bearded iris hardy on the Front Range?
- bearded iris is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does bearded iris need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is bearded iris safe for dogs?
- No. bearded iris is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is bearded iris deer-resistant?
- bearded iris is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is bearded iris a good firewise plant near the house?
- bearded iris is rated 8 of 10 in CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), where higher means less ignitable, so it can go within 0 to 5 feet of the house as well as out to 30 feet when kept watered and tidy. This is general guidance based on CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does bearded iris bloom?
- bearded iris blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
