Iris germanica 'Sea of Love'
Best choice for gardeners seeking fragrant, reblooming vertical color.
The Reblooming Iris germanica 'Sea of Love' presents stunning, classically formed flowers in an icy lavender blue hue, accented by a pronounced sweet fragrance. These Tall Bearded Irises are known for their ruffled, billowing blooms that may appear twice a year, first in spring and again in late summer or fall, though rebloom depends on climate and care. Growing from rhizomes, they create striking vertical accents in the garden border. These perennials are largely critter resistant and attract hummingbirds. They thrive with plenty of sun and good drainage, returning year after year to provide vibrant color.
$19.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
/ Tall Bearded Iris
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast visual interest for their flower beds
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, reliable perennial color
- Landscapers designing borders that require dramatic vertical height
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited sun exposure in their landscape
- Planners looking for season-long continuous floral displays
- Casual growers who prefer hands-off, pest-free plant maintenance
Performance breakdown
Rebloom Reliability
Second-season flowering potential adds significant value but remains climate-dependent.
Visual Impact
Ruffled, icy blue petals create a sophisticated focal point in borders.
Fragrance Intensity
Sweet, pronounced scent enhances the sensory experience of the garden.
Pest Resistance
Rhizomes naturally deter common garden critters, reducing maintenance headaches.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws hummingbirds and beneficial insects to your landscape.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional adaptability across zones 3 through 9 ensures widespread viability.
Key Specs
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
Hardiness Zone
3-9S/W
Exposure
Sun
Blooms In
June & August-September
Mature Height
33 inches
Spacing
18-24 inches
Ships as
1 PINT (28.86 CU IN.)
Fragrance
Yes
Features
- Produces stunning, ruffled blooms in icy lavender blue
- Reblooming characteristic offers potential for flowering twice a year
- Features a pronounced sweet fragrance
- Award winner: American Iris Society Honorable Mention
- Rhizomes are largely critter resistant
- Attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators
- Foliage persists vertically through the growing season
- Offers striking vertical highlights in garden borders
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the exceptional quality of the 'Sea of Love' rhizomes, noting they arrive large, healthy, and ready to plant. Reliability is a major theme; customers report high success rates in establishment and blooming true to the advertised vibrant blue color. While the price point is premium, the vigorous growth and stunning floral display generally confirm the value of this investment for serious iris enthusiasts seeking dependable performance.
Know before you buy
A reblooming iris has the potential to flower twice in a single growing season: once in the spring and again in late summer or early fall. While this is a genetic trait, actual rebloom performance can vary depending on your local climate, soil fertility, and the amount of sunlight the plant receives.
This iris needs a location that receives full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sun is essential not only for flower production but also for keeping the rhizomes dry and healthy.
Tall Bearded Irises are generally considered critter resistant because their foliage and rhizomes are not typically palatable to deer or rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, you are much less likely to see damage on these compared to more vulnerable perennials.
For the best results, space your rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, which is critical for preventing rot and keeping the plants healthy as they mature.
The most important requirement for 'Sea of Love' is excellent drainage. They perform best in well-draining soil and should not be planted in areas where water tends to pool, as wet soil can cause the rhizomes to rot.
To encourage a second flush of flowers, ensure the plant receives consistent moisture and a light feeding after the first spring bloom. Keeping the area free of weeds and ensuring the rhizomes remain exposed to the sun will also help the plant maintain the vigor needed for a late-season display.
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$19