Scientific Name
Iris hollandica
Common Name
Dutch Iris
IRIS
hollandica
(Blue, purple, yellow, white or bicolored flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Iris hollandica flowers in mid-to late-spring (April/May) for 2-3 weeks. Plants are about 20 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Hybrids of species from Spain and Morocco
2. Common names: Dutch Iris
3. Geophyte organ: Bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by annual bulb replacement and requires a warm (75 to 85F) - cool (35 to 50F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual replacement cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, borders, and fresh cut flowers.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 7/8, 8/9, 9/10, 10/11, and 12/up cm, in circumference
2. Planting density: 4 to 6 inches apart, 6 to 8 per sq.ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to the base.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Climatic zone habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 8 with mulch, Zones 9 to 10 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight only.
7. Moisture: Keep moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Annuals, Achillea, Carex, Crocosmia, Echinacea, Lavandula, Stachys, Sedum, Spiraea spp., Pittosporum.

I. hollandica Yellow

Iris hollandica 'Telstar'

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 31 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.