White Flower Farm
Iris germanica 'Silverado'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, elegant floral displays.
Iris germanica 'Silverado' boasts ethereal, silvery lavender blossoms with opulent ruffles, making it a distinguished Tall Bearded Iris and a Dykes Medal winner. This perennial thrives in most regions, offering a reliable June bloom with potential for rebloom. Its vertical foliage provides season-long garden interest, and it's notably resistant to deer and other critters. For optimal growth, ensure plenty of sun and excellent drainage. This hardy plant, grown from rhizomes, promises a lavish display for many years, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
/ Tall Bearded Iris
Who it's for
- Warm-climate gardeners desiring extended seasonal color
- Gardeners seeking sophisticated, versatile floral accents
- Beginners wanting reliable, high-performing perennial blooms
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding intensive plant care
- Designers prioritizing long-lasting, continuous floral displays
- Hot-climate gardeners wanting consistent, vibrant color retention
Performance breakdown
Aesthetic Impact
Silvery lavender ruffles provide a sophisticated, high-end look for any garden.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional climate adaptability spanning zones three through nine.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and critters, minimizing the need for protective measures.
Pollinator Appeal
Actively invites hummingbirds and essential pollinators into your landscape.
Maintenance Ease
Requires full sun and drainage but rewards with years of blooms.
Seasonal Versatility
Vertical foliage maintains visual interest well beyond the initial June bloom.
Key Specs
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
Hardiness Zone
3-9S/W
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
June
Mature Height
38 inches
Spacing
18-24 inches
Ships as
BARE ROOT
Deer Resistance
Yes
Features
- Ethereal, silvery lavender blossoms with opulent ruffles
- Dykes Medal award winner
- Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
- Highly resistant to deer and critters
- Reliable June bloom with rebloom potential
- Season-long vertical foliage interest
- Grows from hardy rhizomes
- Thrives in full sun
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Iris germanica 'Silverado' for its premium quality and spectacular bloom performance. Rhizomes arrive healthy, robust, and establish quickly. Reviewers consistently describe the flowers as magnificent, large, and perfectly matching the advertised pale lavender silver color, noting the beautiful ruffling and sturdy stalks. This vigor confirms the plant’s suitability for mail order. While the initial cost is high, most agree the superior quality justifies the investment. The consensus is that 'Silverado' is a show stopping, reliable addition that delivers high impact color and structure, making it highly recommended for iris enthusiasts seeking dependable beauty.
Know before you buy
Plant the rhizomes just below the soil surface, ensuring the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed or barely covered with soil. Proper drainage is critical, so avoid planting in areas where water tends to pool.
While the primary, reliable bloom occurs in June, this variety has the potential for rebloom later in the season. Success with reblooming often depends on providing consistent moisture and adequate sunlight throughout the summer.
This Tall Bearded Iris requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will result in weak stems and a significant reduction in flower production.
Yes, 'Silverado' is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, the texture and taste of bearded irises are generally unappealing to deer and other common garden critters.
The vertical, sword-like foliage provides interest throughout the season, so leave it intact after blooming. Only trim back the leaves in late autumn once they begin to yellow or turn brown to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
Space your rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for preventing fungal issues and ensuring the rhizomes have enough room to multiply over time.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17