Pink Pele iris
Iris 'Pink Pele'
Pink Pele iris (Iris 'Pink Pele') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 16–20 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. An Intermediate Bearded iris in soft pink, blooming in late spring on shorter, sturdy stems. Tough and drought-tolerant once established; give it sun and sharp drainage. Seen at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Iris 'Pink Pele'
- Variety / cultivar
- Pink Pele
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 16–20 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.8
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- low
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Iris borer
- Bacterial soft rot
- Leaf spot
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Plant rhizomes shallow with the top exposed to sun; sharp drainage prevents rot. Divide every few years to keep it blooming.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pink Pele iris good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Pink Pele iris is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Pink Pele iris?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Pink Pele iris get?
- It matures to about 16–20 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Pink Pele iris?
- Space Pink Pele iris about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Pink Pele iris hardy on the Front Range?
- Pink Pele iris is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Pink Pele iris need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Pink Pele iris safe for dogs?
- No. Pink Pele iris is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Pink Pele iris deer-resistant?
- Pink Pele iris is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Pink Pele iris prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Pink Pele iris can be affected by iris borer and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- How long does Pink Pele iris bloom?
- Pink Pele iris blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
