Blue Iris Flower

The Iris is a perennial flower that got its well-deserved name from Latin, where it means 'rainbow'. The plant is aptly named because the Iris produces blooms in almost all colors of the rainbow. The deep blue Iris flowers are a stunning variety of the flower. These blossoms are highly specialized with some interesting modifications. The showy part of the flower does not show any distinction between the corolla and the calyx. You would expect the calyx to be at the lower part of the flower. But even this part is as fleshy as the top parts. One specialized segment of the blossom is the petal-like falls. These falls serve as a free area for pollinators to land. The falls of the flower usually have bright lines and attractive designs in the area that leads into the mouth. The purpose of these lines is to serve as nectar guides, directing pollinators towards the nectar.

The falls of some varieties of these plants have slight fuzz called a 'beard'. This fuzz consists of short bristle-like hairs that help the pollinators get a good grip while they climb in and out of the flower. The 6 petals of the flower are divided into three petals or standards, and three falls. The standards rise above the blossom and give the flower its astonishingly blue color.

While irises appear in almost all shades except black, the blue iris flowers are commonly used as cut flowers. The popularity of the blue iris flower is not a little attributed to the sheer magnificence and beauty of these flowers. The blue iris also has significant meanings associated with it. Iris flowers have been long used to express appreciation and devotion. 'I have such faith in you', the Blue iris flower ardently states. Some places like China have placed traditional significance to the Blue Iris. The color blue represents royalty and richness. Opulence, royal splendor and magnificence are some of the meanings associated with this flower. In China, the rich blue iris indicates royal blood or blue blood. As such, it also indicates heroism, valor and courage. The blue Iris is especially significant in the history of France where it was used in the emblem of France. The King of France established this in the 11th Century. Today, the Iris is also the state flower of Tennessee.

Blue Iris flowers make very popular bouquets and presentation vases. When they are interspersed with the white or pale yellow Iris blossoms, the result is a stunning display of rich and colorful magnificence. No wonder it is often called the Goddess of the rainbow, Fleur-de-lis and Eye of Heaven. The Blue iris is easy to cultivate and is a hardy variety of the plant. It grows in almost all kinds of habitats except for the hot subtropics. Many of these plants bloom twice a year and produce 9-12 blossoms one stem. The blue iris flowers look absolutely stunning when on the plant. If they are cut, they will last for about 3-4 days. They last longer when they are shaded from harsh light. The best time to plant an Iris is between July and August.

The iris plant is usually very hardy. They grow from a rhizome and do very well if they are planted deep and given enough water. An almost neutral pH is favored by the plant. The plants do well in drier climates but cannot usually tolerate lower levels of temperatures. The Blue Iris flower is indeed a popular one among many flower enthusiasts because of the unusually rich hue and the delicate fragrance of the flower.

white iris flower

Bearded iris flower