Iris 'Jurassic Park'

Honorable Mention 1997; Award of Merit 1999; John C. Wister Medal 2002; President's Cup 1996

Plant Iris 'Jurassic Park' bulbs in late summer into fall, and in mid-spring to early summer and again in late summer to early fall, this tall bearded iris blooms heavily in dramatic ruffled bicolored flowers with canary yellow standards and blended lavender-blue falls. The flowers have yellow veining and edging as well as a slight sweet scent and are borne on tall, sturdy scapes atop sword-shaped blue-green foliage that stays fresh-looking all season. The flowers attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, and make elegant, long-lasting cuts for spring bouquets.

An Iris x germanica variety, commonly called bearded iris or German iris, 'Jurassic Park' has a clumping habit and moderate growth rate. 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. 'Jurassic Park' is not picky about soil and is deer resistant.