Everything You Need to Know about Dutch Iris Plants

• Written by Holly Hughes on July 13, 2022

Irises are one of the world’s most popular flowers and with good reason. With hundreds of varieties to choose from and making one of the best cut flowers to add into a bouquet – enjoy them in a spring season bouquet from a subscription service like BloomsyBox to see for yourself! – irises are a perfect flower to complete your garden, containers, and home.

This article is going to tell you everything you need to know about one particular breed of this plant – the glorious Dutch iris! Despite its name, the Dutch iris isn’t actually Dutch in origin but as it was the Dutch who hybridized it, they get the honor of having one of the most beautiful flowers named after them.

Keep reading to discover how to grow and care for Dutch iris at home.

Want to grow this Dutch flower but don’t have the space? Don’t forget that flower delivery services like FromYouFlowers and SendFlowers have stunning arrangements that even come with same day delivery featuring Dutch irises!

We love SendFlowers’ Radiant Dreams Lily Bouquet or FromYouFlowers’ Iris and Sunshine Bouquet if you want to experience the joy of this spring Dutch flower!

What is Dutch iris?

But let’s talk Dutch. What is Dutch iris? Dutch iris – also known as fleur de lis – is a perennial bulbous flower that blooms in spring. It is known for its multicolored flowers that range from a kind of purplish-blue to yellow, white, gold, and even rose. Its petals are silky and resemble orchid blooms.

Why you should plant Dutch iris

In case the stunning colors of Dutch iris haven’t already sold you, here’s more reasons you should plant Dutch iris in your garden. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to grow! So, whatever kind of gardener you are, or however low on time or space you might be, this Dutch beauty is always a winner.

Secondly, Dutch iris are an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. These Dutch blooms are long-lasting in a vase and incredibly versatile which is why they are one of the most popular flowers amongst florists.

Related Post: The Best Long-Lasting Cut Flowers

Of course, in order to keep your cut flowers lasting longer, it’s essential to care for them properly. Here’s a guide to optimizing your bouquet’s freshness for longer-lasting blooms.

Dutch irises are also a great flower to include in Easter bouquets and are often associated with this religious celebration. For more inspiration for Easter gifts, read all about the history of Easter baskets here.

Where should you plant Dutch iris?

Now you’ve been convinced to grow these Dutch flowers, where should you plant them?

This is a plant that likes to spread itself over the years so if you’re growing this Dutch variety as a perennial it’s important to place it in a spot where it has space to grow.

These Dutch plants require full sun and well-draining soil to flourish so be sure to plant them in a spot that gets lots of sun and has good drainage.

They also grow well in containers so be sure to include them in your balcony plantersor as part of a potted arrangement in your patio.

Finally, it’s a good idea to plant Dutch iris near a summer-flowering plant like peonies, who can camouflage its dying foliage when it turns unsightly.

How to plant Dutch iris

Planting these Dutch blooms couldn’t be easier. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and tolerate humidity well.

In the fall – when you are planting other spring flowers like hyacinth, crocus, daffodils, and tulips – dig a hole in soil that is light, loamy, moist and well-draining. You want your hole to be approximately 4 inches in depth. Place the pointy end of the bulb upwards and cover.

How to care for Dutch iris

Dutch iris care is as easy as planting. Once these irises are in full sun areas – though they can tolerate partial shade – and good soil, they should thrive.

Water the plant as needed during the growing season so the soil stays moist but not sodden. However, during the dormant season, stop watering completely as too much water during this period will cause your bulbs to rot.

When cared for properly, Dutch iris height can reach up to two feet!

After enjoying their bright blue, yellow, and white flowers through the spring, it’s then time to let these Dutch perennials die back. This usually happens in the fall and when their leaves begin to yellow. Once you see this, you know blooming is finished and it’s time to cut the flower stems back to the plant’s base.

Let the foliage keep growing and do not cut back until they are brown and yellow. Then, leave the soil to dry out and, if in an area that gets regular cold snaps, cover the ground with a layer of mulch. If in a particularly wet area, dig up the bulbs and clean and dry them before storing them in a cool, dry place to replant in the fall.

Are Dutch iris deer-resistant?

Yes, these Dutch plants are known for successfully keeping both deer and rabbits away. Knowing what plants are repellents to certain pests and insects is invaluable information to keep your garden and oasis of peace and tranquility! We’ve got you covered in achieving this with guides to the best plants to repel mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Are irises annuals or perennials?

They are perennial flowers, meaning that they will bloom for several weeks every year before going dormant and returning again the following season.

Can irises grow in shade?

Most varieties of iris prefer to be grown in full sun; however, some can tolerate partial shade – like the Siberian iris. If planting in areas of partial shade, make sure you choose a variety that will be able to survive these cooler conditions.

Do iris bloom every year?

If looked after properly and planted in a place with all of their preferred growing conditions, iris can and will bloom for many years to come!

How deep should iris bulbs be planted?

As covered in this growing guide for Dutch irises, these bulbs should ideally be planted approximately 4 inches deep to ensure they will be protected enough to reflower properly year-on-year.

How many iris bulbs to plant together?

Dutch irises look great when planted together so be sure to grow them in groups that are spaced 3- to 5-inches apart. How many irises you plant together depends on how much space you have!