High Country Gardens
Infrared Bearded Iris
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pest-resistant floral color.
Infuse your garden with the striking beauty of the Infrared Bearded Iris. This perennial boasts deep red, velvety petals accented by a vibrant golden yellow beard, creating a dramatic focal point. Growing to a mature height of 37 inches, it offers a generous bloom of 10-11 buds per stem, gracing your landscape with rich color throughout mid-spring and into summer. Its ruffled petals add a touch of elegance, dancing in the breeze. This variety is known for being easy to grow, deer and rabbit resistant, and attractive to butterflies, making it a robust and charming addition to any garden.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-60%
Below average
Growth Habit
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Floral designers needing sturdy stems for elegant arrangements
- Gardeners seeking a bold, sophisticated focal point
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts prioritizing water-wise, low-maintenance plants
Who should skip it
- Owners of shaded gardens with limited direct sunlight
- Gardeners working with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils
- Busy homeowners unable to commit to regular pest monitoring
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep red velvet petals create a high-contrast focal point for landscapes.
Maintenance Ease
Robust perennial growth makes this an ideal choice for low-effort gardening.
Pest Resistance
Reliable defense against deer and rabbits protects your garden investment.
Pollinator Appeal
Vibrant colors and structure effectively draw butterflies to your outdoor space.
Climate Versatility
Wide hardiness range ensures success across diverse regional growing zones.
Floral Productivity
High bud count per stem guarantees a dense, long-lasting seasonal display.
Key Specs
Growth Habit
Perennial
Mature Height
3.08 feet
Mature Width
1.0 feet
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-9
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Soil Type Preference
Well-drained
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Features
- Striking deep red, velvety petals
- Vibrant golden yellow beard
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies
- Easy to grow perennial
- Blooms mid-spring through summer
- Adds rich color to the garden
- Suitable for cut flowers
What customers say
Gardeners are captivated by the Infrared Bearded Iris's striking, deep purple color, a unique addition that enhances garden appeal. Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the rhizomes, noting they arrive healthy and robust. Although initial establishment requires some patience, the vibrant bloom performance and reliable growth prove well worth the wait. This variety delivers dramatic color and significant garden impact, making it a highly valued choice for its visual beauty and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
This iris thrives in full sun but will also perform well in partial shade. For the most prolific blooming, ensure the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Yes, it requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider amending it with organic matter or planting in a raised bed to improve drainage.
While no plant is completely immune to wildlife, this variety is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its texture and taste. It is a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high pest pressure.
Absolutely. The Infrared Bearded Iris makes an excellent cut flower, and its sturdy stems and striking color provide a dramatic focal point in any vase.
Given its mature width of one foot, you should space your iris rhizomes approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. This allows for adequate air circulation, which is essential for the health of the foliage.
Yes, the Infrared Bearded Iris is a hardy perennial. It is suitable for USDA zones 4 through 9, meaning it will return annually provided it is planted in an appropriate climate.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11