Iris ‘Best Bet’

Genus:Iris
Species:germanica
Variety:’Best Bet’
Item Form:Bareroot
Zone:3 – 9
Bloom Start to End:Late Spring – Early Fall
Habit:Mound-shaped
Height:3 ft
Width:24 in
Additional Characteristics:Butterfly Lovers,Easy Care Plants,Flower,Hummingbird Lovers,Repeat Bloomer
Bloom Color:Blue
Foliage Color:Medium Green
Light Requirements:Full Sun
Moisture Requirements:Moist, well-drained
Resistance:Cold Hardy,Deer Resistance,Drought Tolerant
Uses:Beds,Border,Containers,Cut Flowers,Fall Color

Plant Iris ‘Best Bet’ bulbs in late summer into fall, and in late spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall of the following year, the tall bearded iris blooms heavily in dramatic ruffled flowers with wisteria blue standards and deep hyacinth blue falls. The flowers are borne on tall, sturdy scapes atop sword-shaped blue-green foliage that stays fresh-looking all season. In warmer climates, the foliage is semievergreen and will remain dramatic through fall or winter. The flowers attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, and make elegant, long-lasting cuts for floral displays.

An Iris germanica, commonly called a bearded iris or German iris, ‘Best Bet’ has a clumping habit. Iris bulbs are often grown as annuals, but grown in appropriate Zones, they will multiply every year and are great for naturalizing. They are shown to best effect when planted in a large drift or in groups of 10 to 15 bulbs in mixed beds, borders, or containers.

Bearded irises are so easy to grow, they’re virtually foolproof. Cold hardy, they grow almost anywhere but perform best in sunny to partially shady locations with rich, humusy, moist, well-draining soil. ‘Best Bet’ is cold hardy; salt, shade, and drought tolerant; and deer and rabbit resistant.