Iris L.		Iridaceae

Many Iris cultivars are not used for cut flowers because of their short shelf life; the great diversity in Iris forms are grown locally. The most popular Iris for cut flowers are called Dutch Iris -- the I. xiphium L. group. Iris bulbs are divided into six groups, of which the 'Blue Magic' and Miscellaneous groups account for 95% of all commercially grown Iris.

Iris hybrid 'Telestar' Photo: © CCFC		Iris hybrid Photo: © CCFC

Iris hybrid 'Casa Blanca' Photo: © CCFC		Dutch Iris: some unopened flowers Photo: © Ken McPheeters, ITCS, University of Illinois