Iris Picasso is a Dutch iris that stands out for its uniquely colored and exotic blooms. Whether planted in the fall or spring, this iris variety is often grown as an annual in colder climates but can also thrive as a perennial in milder regions. By late spring, Picasso Dutch irises burst into a stunning display of color, featuring grassy green leaves that serve as a backdrop for large, sculptural flowers. The blooms are a vibrant collage of lavender and purple standards, paired with golden yellow falls adorned with bronze brushstroke veins. Each flower is a work of art, worthy of a place in your garden or as the centerpiece of a striking floral arrangement. Rising on 20-inch-tall stems, these irises make excellent cut flowers for bouquets.
An Iris x hollandica species, commonly known as Dutch iris, Picasso has a columnar upright habit and is a bulbous perennial that naturalizes easily in USDA Zones 6-8. Over time, these irises form lovely, low-maintenance clusters in flower beds and borders, returning year after year with their vibrant, artistic blooms. Enjoy their striking beauty in patio pots or create a dramatic effect by planting them in large drifts across your garden.
For the best results, plant Picasso iris bulbs 4 inches apart and 5 inches deep. To create broad swathes of color, consider planting about 15 bulbs per square foot. These irises prefer a sheltered, sunny to partially shady spot with reasonably fertile, free-draining soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the growing season, and avoid letting it dry out completely during the summer. In regions colder than Zone 6, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch in the fall to protect the bulbs through the winter. Once growth begins,
feed the bulbs with a specialized bulb fertilizer to support healthy flowering.
Picasso Dutch irises are visually stunning and practical because they resist damage from deer and are resilient and reliable. Create an eye-catching garden display or harvest beautiful blooms for your home with Iris Picasso.
