How long do iris flowers last in a vase?

Each iris flower lasts 5–7 days in a vase. Since iris blooms from the bottom up, trim faded flowers – the next bud will open and extend the vase life by 1–2 extra days per flower.

When does iris flower?

Bearded iris flowers in May–June. Siberian iris flowers in June. Japanese iris flowers late, in July–August. Dutch iris (cut flower) is available from florists most of the year thanks to forcing.

Iris – symbolism, varieties and care

Q: What's the difference between bearded iris and Dutch iris?

Bearded iris (Iris germanica) is a garden plant that flowers in May–June with large flowers and characteristic soft 'beards' on the petals. Dutch iris is the common cut iris with a long, slim stem sold by florists.

The iris (Iris) is one of nature's most elegant creations – with petals that remind of a butterfly in flight. The flower is named after the Greek rainbow goddess and carries rich symbolism with it. It comes in almost every colour of the rainbow.

Classic purple iris – elegant flower in natural light — Classic purple

Dark purple iris – close-up of decorative petals — Dark purple

White iris in elegant bouquet — White – purity

Light purple iris arranged in a home setting — Light purple

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The history of iris

For over 3,500 years, people have cultivated iris. The flower adorned the sceptres of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The French fleur-de-lis was long thought to be based on the lily, but likely stems from the iris. Japan has a particularly strong tradition – the iris gardens in Tokyo are considered one of the country's most important cultural landmarks, and the iris (hanashōbu) is a central motif in Japanese art and garden design.

What does iris symbolise?

Wisdom and intelligence – the classic symbolism, regardless of colour.
Hope and courage – the iris blooms early and bravely.
Purple iris: Wisdom, admiration and royal dignity.
Blue iris: Faith, hope and freedom.
Yellow iris: Passion and prosperity.
White iris: Purity and innocence.

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Popular iris varieties

Bearded iris (I. germanica): The most common garden iris, with soft 'beards' on the petals. Available in hundreds of colours.
Siberian iris (I. sibirica): Narrower leaves and an elegant flower – hardy and well-suited for Irish winters.
Dutch iris: The most common cut iris – slender, long stem with simple flower in purple, white or yellow.
Japanese iris (I. ensata): Large, flat flower with fantastically detailed patterns.

Care tips for iris in a vase

Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife.
Remove all leaves that fall below the waterline.
Change the water every other day.
The iris opens from the lowest to the highest bud – cut away faded flowers, and the next one will open.
Place the vase in a cool location – iris dislikes heat sources and direct sunlight.

Quick facts – iris

Property	Information
Vase life	5–7 days per flower
Latin name	Iris
Flowering (bearded iris)	May–June
Number of species	Over 300

You can easily order flowers with iris throughout Ireland. Learn what different flowers mean in our guide to flower language.

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Frequently asked questions about iris

How long do iris last in a vase?

Each individual iris flower lasts 5–7 days. The flowers open from bottom to top, so remove the ones that wilt – then the next bud will open and extend the vase life by an extra 1–2 days. A bouquet with multiple buds therefore lasts longer overall.

What is the difference between bearded iris and Dutch iris?

Bearded iris (Iris germanica) is a perennial garden plant with large flowers and characteristic soft "beards" on the petals, flowering in May–June. Dutch iris is the common cut iris with long, slender stems that you find at florists year-round.

When do iris bloom?

Bearded iris flowers in May–June, Siberian iris in June, and Japanese iris in late summer in July–August. Dutch iris (cut flower) is available at flower shops for much of the year thanks to forcing and imports.