White Flower Farm
Iris germanica 'Cubs Win It'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking reliable, critter-resistant summer color.
Commemorating the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory, Iris germanica 'Cubs Win It' is a stunning Tall Bearded Iris. This variety showcases two-tone flowers with intensely ruffled, rich indigo falls contrasted by paler blue standards. Shiny golden beards add a final flourish to these commemorative blooms. Growing from rhizomes, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun with good drainage. It typically blooms in June, sometimes offering a second round of flowers in summer or fall. The plants are largely critter resistant and their vertical foliage persists attractively throughout the growing season.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
/ Tall Bearded Iris
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, dramatic floral focal points
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennials
- Serious collectors prioritizing plant health and variety accuracy
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for mass-market or generic pricing
- Gardeners with shady yards or heavy, water-retaining soil
- Low-effort growers wanting plants that require zero pest management
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Intensely ruffled indigo petals create a dramatic focal point in gardens.
Hardiness Range
Thrives across a wide variety of climates from zones 3 to 9.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and other common garden critters from snacking.
Bloom Reliability
Consistent June flowering with the potential for bonus late-season blooms.
Pollinator Appeal
Vertical structure and vibrant color effectively draw hummingbirds and local pollinators.
Maintenance Ease
Requires well-drained soil and full sun for optimal long-term performance.
Key Specs
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
June
Mature Height
37 inches
Spacing
18-24 inches
Deer Resistance
Yes
Primary Color
Blue
Features
- Striking indigo and pale blue two-tone flowers
- Intensely ruffled falls resembling a pennant
- Blooms reliably in June; may rebloom later
- Highly resistant to common garden critters
- Attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators
- Vertical foliage persists after flowering
- Returns reliably for many years
- Ships as a bareroot crown for fall planting
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Iris germanica 'Cubs Win It' for its exceptional vigor and striking color combination of vibrant blues and creamy yellows. Reviewers consistently note the superior quality of the large, healthy rhizomes received, which aids successful establishment and often yields desirable first-year blooms. The visual impact is a standout feature, matching catalog descriptions perfectly. While this specialty cultivar carries a premium price, buyers feel the superior plant quality and reliable bloom performance provide excellent perceived value. Overall, this iris is celebrated as a visually stunning and high-performing addition to any perennial garden.
Know before you buy
These should be planted in the fall. This timing allows the rhizomes to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes, ensuring a healthy bloom cycle the following June.
While it reliably blooms in June, 'Cubs Win It' has the potential to rebloom later in the summer or fall. This secondary performance depends on local climate conditions and proper care throughout the growing season.
Tall Bearded Irises require well-draining soil to prevent the rhizomes from rotting. If your garden has heavy clay, consider amending the soil or planting in raised beds to ensure adequate drainage.
Space your rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing provides enough room for the plants to spread and ensures good air circulation, which is essential for keeping the foliage healthy.
Yes, this variety is considered highly resistant to common garden critters, including deer. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, these irises are rarely bothered by them compared to other garden perennials.
You should leave the vertical foliage in place after flowering. It remains attractive throughout the season and continues to gather energy for the plant, which is vital for next year's growth.
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$17