Purple irises belong in the family of the daisy or sunflower and can either be used indoors or out. They are a reliable and easy to grow flowering plant for most landscaping projects. Their unusual purple color makes them a popular choice for any landscape design, making them suitable for any type of environment, from a sunny corner to a shady back corner.
Purple irises represent a variety of symbolic meanings. The color purple is a symbol of royalty and dignity and is used widely by royalty throughout the world. They have been a symbol of beauty and grace for centuries, and their timeless appeal makes them an ideal choice in flower landscaping. One common symbolism is that of wisdom. This is derived from the purple flowers themselves, which are the product of the sap or stem of the plant. The purple means that the plant will give us knowledge and education, and this can relate to wisdom in many ways.
Purple irises are perfect for any home or garden. This is because they look great even in the early spring or late summer. Purple irises look best when they are planted in groups of three to five, as they are able to thrive with minimal attention. This is especially true of the hybrid varieties which are known for their tolerance to a wide range of conditions.
Purple irises come in many forms, shapes, and colors. Their flowers range in size from just a few centimeters to about one meter in diameter. Some varieties bloom as early as January, while others bloom as late as February. Springtime is the most productive time for planting, but it is also the season when many types of purple irises develop their full colors. Most irises are light purple in the early spring, but as the months pass, they turn deeper and darker purple as the foliage begins to change colors.
One of the best characteristics of these flowers is that they have rhizomes. The rhizomes serve as anchors for the flower to attach to the stems of the plants. The common name for these anchoring roots is “hopscotch” or “pot.” Many hybrids of purple irises have roots that reach higher than the other flowers and can hold on to a branch or a fiber of plant life. These unique features make them uniquely interesting plants.
One characteristic of these flowers that makes them so versatile is their ability to survive in any kind of climate. However, it is their hardiness that makes them so appealing to gardeners. In fact, most purple iris varieties require only moderate temperatures and can tolerate some shade. This is especially true of the new shoots which are quite susceptible to frost.
Purple and blue irises also occur in a great variety of colorations. While the leaves of some varieties will appear white, other varieties will be more mauve-like in appearance. Although the color of the flowers may change, the foliage itself will be the same, with some plants becoming grassy and fern-like and others remaining nearly true to their original color.
Some purple irises have been known to grow up to three feet tall, with some flowers reaching two feet. Some forms grow tall and pendulous, while some forms grow flat and long. The flowers are covered with a cream colored foliage and the purple-blue irises have strong roots that cling to the stems. Cut flowers can be used to decorate a wide range of decors, including: inside a circle, on fences and walls, along walkways, in a basket or any kind of container, in a vase, a flower pot, on an easel, or any other arrangement that needs to have an extra layer of color. Purple and blue irises make beautiful additions to a number of different flower, plant accessory collections, including: arrangements, bouquets and potpourri, plant pots, arrangements for your windows, trees, doors, mantles, cookbooks, purses, shoes and purses, curtains and throw pillows.