PL#2172
'Gerald Darby'
Iris versicolor
Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby' is a vigorous, moisture-loving perennial with narrow, sword-shaped green leaves that emerge with a striking purple flush in spring before maturing to green. In late spring to early summer, purplish-black stems rise above the foliage, bearing violet-blue flowers with deep yellow signals on mostly white falls. Thriving in full sun to part shade, this adaptable iris prefers medium to wet soils and can be grown in shallow standing water, making it ideal for pond edges, water gardens, and moist borders.
Public reference
- Genus
- Iris
- Species
- versicolor
- Cultivar
- Gerald Darby
- Trade name
- —
- Hardiness zones
- 3–9 (USDA)
- Mature height
- 2.333 ft
- Mature width
- 1.5–2 ft
- Description
- Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby' is a vigorous, moisture-loving perennial with narrow, sword-shaped green leaves that emerge with a striking purple flush in spring before maturing to green. In late spring to early summer, purplish-black stems rise above the foliage, bearing violet-blue flowers with deep yellow signals on mostly white falls. Thriving in full sun to part shade, this adaptable iris prefers medium to wet soils and can be grown in shallow standing water, making it ideal for pond edges, water gardens, and moist borders.
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Identity
- Common names
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- Patent number
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Lifecycle & form
- Lifecycle
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- Deciduous / evergreen
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- Height category
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- Form
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- Growth habit
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Site requirements
- Sun exposure
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- Soil moisture
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- pH range
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- Drought tolerant
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- Flood tolerant
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- Heat tolerant
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Flowers
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- Flower colors
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- Flower size
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- Flower shape
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- Petal count
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- Reblooming
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- Fragrance level
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- Fragrance notes
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Foliage
- Foliage colors (by season)
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- Variegated
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- Seasons of interest
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Wildlife & safety
- Attracts
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- Deer resistant
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- Rodent resistant
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- Pet toxicity
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- Human toxicity
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Use & care
- Best for
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- Thornless
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- Has seed pods
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- Difficulty level
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- Gardener notes
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Legal
- Asexual propagation forbidden
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- Patent expires
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