Irises are some of the most popular and beautiful flowering plants, and two of the most common types are Dutch irises and bearded irises While both are part of the iris family, there are some key differences between these two flower varieties that are worth exploring In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into comparing Dutch iris vs bearded iris across a variety of factors.
Origins and History
Dutch irises, also known by their scientific name Iris hollandica, originated in the Netherlands and were first cultivated there extensively. The Dutch East India Company helped distribute these irises across Europe in the 17th century. They became very popular in Victorian England and were a common sight in English cottages and gardens.
Bearded irises have been around for a lot longer; they were first grown in ancient Greece. In the mountainous parts of Europe and western Asia, you can find the European bearded iris, Iris germanica. Egyptian hieroglyphs and Greek art both show bearded irises, which were valued for their medicinal uses and beautiful looks.
Physical Characteristics
The most noticeable difference between Dutch and bearded irises is in their physical appearance
The narrow, pointy petals of Dutch iris flowers give them an elegant, slim look. The shades of blue, purple, orange, yellow, and white are often very bright.
Bearded irises have broader, fuller petals with ruffled edges. Most of the time, the colors are soft shades of pink, peach, white, purple, and pink. Bearded irises get their name from the fuzzy hair-like growths on the falls (lower petals) that look like beards.
In terms of size, Dutch irises are smaller plants, reaching 1-2 feet tall at maturity. Bearded irises can grow much larger, up to 3 feet tall.
The foliage is also quite different. Dutch iris leaves are narrow, grass-like and bright green. Bearded iris leaves are wider, sword-shaped and grayish green.
Blooming Season
Dutch and bearded irises have slightly different blooming seasons as well.
Dutch irises bloom in late spring, over a period of 2-3 weeks. The exact timing depends on location and climate.
Bearded irises tend to bloom a bit later, starting in late spring and continuing into early summer. Their bloom time lasts 4-6 weeks. With multiple reblooming varieties now available, you can enjoy bearded iris flowers for months!
Ideal Growing Conditions
When it comes to ideal growing conditions, Dutch and bearded irises have more similarities than differences.
Both plants thrive in full sun locations (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Well-drained soil is also crucial, as irises are prone to root rot if overwatered. The optimal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
While they share preferences for sun exposure and soil drainage, bearded irises are better able to tolerate a wider range of soil types, including heavy clay. Dutch irises strongly prefer sandy or loamy soil.
Both varieties should be fertilized once in the spring and again in the fall. A balanced granular fertilizer or a dilute liquid feed works well.
Maintenance Needs
Caring for Dutch and bearded irises requires some ongoing maintenance each year. Here are some of the key tasks:
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Remove spent blooms and cut back flower stalks after flowering.
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Cut back foliage to 6 inches after it has turned yellow or brown.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in midsummer. Replant healthy rhizomes/bulbs.
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Watch for signs of iris borers and treat promptly if spotted.
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Apply winter mulch in colder climates.
Bearded irises tend to require a bit more care when it comes to inspecting for and treating iris borers. But with proper maintenance, both types will continue thriving for years to come.
Design Uses
When incorporating Dutch or bearded iris into your garden design, consider their mature sizes and best viewing angles.
Dutch irises look beautiful planted in groups or rows along borders and pathways where their slender blooms can be admired up close. Their compact size also makes them perfect for containers on patios and balconies.
The larger bearded irises make excellent background plants, foundation plantings, and specimen plants. Plant them behind smaller plants, allowing the foliage to provide vertical contrast. Their big, showy blooms are magnets for attention from a distance.
Both types of iris work very well in cottage gardens, perennial borders, rock gardens, and cutting gardens too. You really can’t go wrong!
Availability and Costs
Dutch and bearded iris bulbs, rhizomes and plants are widely available from garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers. You’ll find the greatest selection of colors and varieties from specialty growers.
On average, packaged bulbs cost $10-20 per bag for Dutch irises and $5-15 per rhizome for bearded irises. Potted plants tend to range from $15-25 depending on pot size.
In Summary
While Dutch and bearded irises share the same plant family, they have some distinct differences when it comes to origins, blooms, ideal growing conditions, and best uses in garden designs. Understanding these unique qualities will help you select the right iris type for your needs and care for it properly.
Both Dutch and bearded irises are outstanding choices that will bring magnificent colors and textures to your garden or flower arrangements. If you have space for only one type, think about your priorities in terms of bloom time, color palette, mature plant size, and overall maintenance. Then let the beauty of irises blossom for you to enjoy!
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