Iris 'SUMMER OLYMPICS' bearded iris

<>Summer Olympics is a hybrid iris variety that is very similar to the most common iris that occurred naturally in Czech wetlands yet in 1980’s. Now it belongs to endangered species. This variety, however, is bearded, has large flowers of vivid yellow colour that lighten towards the throat and may be almost white inside the standards. Sword-like leaves are deciduous, pale green. Flowering stalks are sturdy, about 1m tall and bear up to half a dozen flowers.

Hybrid varieties of bearded iris thrive in full sun and should be planted in well-drained but moist soil of any pH. Various sources say different things about pH requirements, however, truth is that if the soil is reasonably fertile acidity does not play a significant role. Do not mistake them for water irises which do like wet and boggy conditions, these hybrids might rot it such environment.

The plants spread with their rhizomes but are not invasive. Unwanted new rhizomes can easily be dug out and transplanted somewhere else. The rhizomes like warmth so if your garden beds are mulched reduce its amount above iris’ roots to minium. Occasional fertilizing is welcome to enhance flowering and plant health. Thanks to showy flowers and variability of colours available they will be both a perfect companion plants for others as well as great features in any landscape design. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), perhaps a little hardier.

Last update 17-01-2011