Iris 'Jurassic Park'

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

For a spectacular display, plant Iris 'Jurassic Park' bulbs in the late summer through fall, and witness a burst of beauty in mid-spring to early summer, with an encore performance in late summer to early fall. This heavily blooming tall bearded iris takes center stage, adorning the garden with its dramatic, ruffled, bicolored flowers. Canary yellow standards harmonize beautifully with blended lavender-blue falls, featuring yellow veining and edging. Adding to the allure, a slight sweet scent accompanies these blooms, which are borne on tall, sturdy scapes above sword-shaped blue-green leaves that maintain a fresh appearance throughout the season. Beyond their visual appeal in the garden, the flowers draw in pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, and serve as elegant, long-lasting additions to spring bouquets.

As an Iris germanica variety, commonly known as bearded iris or German iris, 'Jurassic Park' grows at a moderate rate and embraces a clumping habit. While these iris bulbs can be grown as annuals, they truly shine in appropriate zones where they multiply each year, making them ideal for naturalizing. The best showcase for their beauty is in large drifts or groups of 10 to 15 bulbs, strategically placed in mixed beds, borders, or containers.

Bearded irises, including 'Jurassic Park,' are a gardener's delight due to their foolproof nature. Cold hardy and adaptable to various conditions, they thrive in sunny to partially shady areas with rich, humusy, moist, well-draining soil. Remarkably undemanding when it comes to soil preferences, 'Jurassic Park' stands as a resilient choice, also proving its worth by being deer resistant. With effortless and enduring beauty, Iris 'Jurassic Park' graces your garden with a touch of elegance and charm.