High Country Gardens
But Darling Bearded Iris
Best tall perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pest-resistant floral focal points.
Discover the 'But Darling' Tall Bearded Iris, a stunning perennial celebrated for its award-winning, two-toned blooms. This variety showcases pale apricot standards beautifully contrasted with deep violet falls, each delicately edged in lavender. Reaching an impressive mature height of nearly 4 feet on sturdy stems, it makes a spectacular garden focal point. Thriving in well-draining soil and full sun, it offers a profuse display of color in late spring. This easy-care plant is also a great choice for cut flowers and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3076
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-60%
Below average
Variety
Iris germanica 'But Darling'
/ Iris germanica 'But Darling'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a sophisticated, elegant color palette
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
- Homeowners wanting reliable, long-lasting perennial displays
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited sunlight or poorly draining soil
- Busy gardeners avoiding routine maintenance and plant division
- Beginners unwilling to monitor for pests and disease
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Two-toned apricot and violet blooms create a dramatic garden focal point.
Hardiness
Thrives across a wide range of growing zones from three through nine.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, protecting your landscape investment.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that rewards gardeners with minimal intervention required.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy four-foot stems make these blooms perfect for indoor floral arrangements.
Growth Reliability
Award-winning genetics ensure consistent, profuse flowering during the spring season.
Key Specs
Variety
Iris germanica 'But Darling'
Mature Height
46 inches
Mature Spread
12 inches
Planting Distance
12-24 inches
Growing Zones
3-9
Ships As
Bare Root
Awards
RHS Honorable Mention '18, RHS Award of Merit '21
Growth Habit
Perennial
Features
- Award-winning Tall Bearded Iris variety
- Striking apricot and violet two-toned blooms
- Impressive mature height of nearly 4 feet
- Profuse bloomer with excellent branching
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Ideal for cut flowers
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Blooms in late spring
What customers say
Gardeners consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and reliable performance of the 'But Darling' Bearded Iris. Reviews highlight the robust health of the rhizomes upon arrival, ensuring successful establishment. The primary delight centers on the stunning accuracy of the bloom color, which often exceeds expectations with its rich, velvety texture and strong stems. Consumers view this variety as a high value investment that delivers reliable, show stopping color year after year.
Know before you buy
This iris requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Sandy or loose soil compositions are preferred, as they ensure the rhizomes do not sit in excess moisture.
For optimal airflow and growth, space your iris rhizomes 12 to 24 inches apart. This spacing accounts for their 12-inch mature spread and helps prevent overcrowding.
While it can tolerate partial sun, 'But Darling' performs best in full sun. Providing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily will ensure the most profuse bloom display.
Yes, this variety is considered resistant to both deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, the texture and taste of bearded irises are generally unappealing to them.
The 'But Darling' reaches a mature height of approximately 46 inches. It is bred with sturdy stems that typically do not require staking, even at this impressive height.
You can expect a vibrant display of color in late spring. As a perennial, it will return to bloom each year once established.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$11