White Flower Farm
Iris germanica 'Decadence'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly vertical color.
The 'Decadence' Tall Bearded Iris showcases spectacularly ruffled blossoms, featuring effervescent yellow standards contrasted with rich purple-burgundy falls accented by tangerine beards. This award-winning perennial grows from rhizomes and creates striking vertical highlights in the late spring border, often repeating blooms into summer or early fall. Native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, Iris plants are generally indestructible and resistant to most critters, attracting hummingbirds. They thrive with plenty of sun and good drainage, returning year after year to provide a rainbow of color in your garden.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
717
/ 3099
#717 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 a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Busy growers needing a reliable, robust perennial
- Landscape designers looking for vertical structure and fragrance
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding regular plant division
- Beginners unwilling to monitor for pests and rot
- Gardeners wanting long-lasting, season-long color
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Ruffled petals and high-contrast colors create a dramatic garden focal point.
Hardiness
Robust rhizomes thrive across a wide range of climate zones.
Pollinator Appeal
Vibrant blooms act as a reliable magnet for local hummingbirds.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer and other common garden visitors effectively.
Rebloom Potential
Offers extended seasonal interest beyond the initial late spring flush.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in well-draining sunny soil.
Key Specs
Common Name
Tall Bearded Iris
Hardiness Zone
3-9S/W
Exposure
Sun
Blooms In
June
Mature Height
38"
Spacing
18-24"
Ships as
BAREROOT
Deer Resistance
Yes
Features
- Spectacularly ruffled blossoms with contrasting colors
- Award-winning Tall Bearded Iris cultivar (Wister Medal recipient)
- Creates striking vertical highlights in garden borders
- Perennial display that returns year after year
- Largely critter resistant
- Attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators
- Reblooming potential in some regions
- Foliage persists through the growing season after bloom
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the stunning aesthetic quality of the 'Decadence' Iris. The rich, complex coloring—deep plum standards and apricot falls—exceeds expectations, making it a garden showstopper. Reviewers frequently highlight the robust health of the rhizomes upon arrival, suggesting high quality sourcing. While the price is premium, the spectacular, reliable bloom performance confirms this iris is a worthwhile investment for gardeners seeking unique, luxurious color.
Know before you buy
Plant your rhizomes shallowly, ensuring the top of the rhizome is just barely visible at the soil surface. They require well-draining soil and a sunny location to prevent rot and encourage the best bloom performance.
The 'Decadence' cultivar has reblooming potential in certain climates, meaning you may see a second flush of flowers in late summer or early fall. Success depends on your specific growing zone and local weather conditions.
Yes, Tall Bearded Irises are generally considered critter-resistant. Their foliage and rhizomes are typically unappealing to deer and rabbits, making them a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.
Space your rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for keeping the plants healthy and preventing common fungal issues.
The foliage will remain green and upright throughout the rest of the growing season. You should leave the leaves intact until they naturally yellow in the fall, as they continue to gather energy for next year's blooms.
Yes, this cultivar is hardy in zones 3 through 9. It is well-suited for a wide range of temperatures, provided it receives the recommended full sun and excellent drainage.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17