City Lights Bearded Iris

City Lights Bearded Iris (Iris germanica 'City Lights')

City Lights Bearded Iris is a vigorous rebloomer bearing large, fragrant flowers with deep violet blue standards and falls accented by glowing white centers. Upright, sword-like foliage provides structure before and after bloom for a polished presence in sunny borders.

Distinctive Features

Showy 5 inch flowers combine bold contrast and notable fragrance on sturdy stems. Reliable rebloom extends color beyond spring when plants are grown with good sun and drainage.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best bud set and stem strength.
• Soil: Sharply drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate; water to establish and during bud set, then allow soil to dry between soakings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 2 to 3 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Vivid violet blue blooms with white centers create high-impact seasonal color.
• Mixed Borders: Partners well with peonies, salvias, and ornamental grasses.
• Cottage Gardens: Classic bearded iris form suits traditional plantings.
• Cut Flowers: Fragrant, long stems are excellent for arrangements.
• Mass Plantings: Repeated clumps deliver a cohesive spring and rebloom display.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during active growth and bud set; reduce afterward to prevent rot.
• Pruning: Remove spent stalks promptly and trim fans to 6 inches after fall cleanup.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, low nitrogen feed in early spring and again after the main bloom.
• Mulching: Use a thin mulch, keeping rhizome tops exposed to sun and air.
• Notes: Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years in midsummer to maintain vigor and rebloom.

Why Choose City Lights Bearded Iris?

• Reblooming Performance: Offers a second flush of color with proper culture.
• Fragrant Blooms: Sweetly scented flowers enhance garden and vase.
• Bold Contrast: Deep violet blue petals with bright white centers read clearly from a distance.
• Architectural Foliage: Sword-like fans add structure beyond bloom.
• Easy to Grow: Thrives in sunny, well drained beds with modest care.

Plant rhizomes slightly exposed in full sun with sharp drainage, avoid overwatering, and divide periodically to keep clumps floriferous and tidy.