The Iris plant takes its name from the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow Iris.
Color patterns are of extreme importance when buying and growing this genus.
Iris plants come in a wide variety of color patterns.
Each pattern has a distinctive name that lets the grower know what to expect from that plant.
Although there are reddish hues and tints there is no exact red in the Iris genus.
In this article
Same Color Iris Patterns
TheSelfis an iris bloom that is all the same color.
TheNeglectais always a blue or violet, two color pattern, where the falls are darker than the standard.
TheViriegata, is a bi-color iris that has yellow standards and a darker fall.
The fall can be any color but generally its of a reddish hue.
Amoenapatterns are unique in that one part of the bloom must be white.
If the standards are white, the falls can be any color.
If the falls are white then the standard will be another color to produce this specific pattern.
For instance, a light purple standard could melt into deep, violet falls and be known as bitone.
Unique Iris Patterns
ABlendis a combination of any two or more colors on the same plant.
Luminatais a beautiful combination of any color or hue.
Its magic is in the falls which are painted or brushed, with pale veins visible.
A clear spot should appear near the beards.
Both the luminata and plicata are strikingly beautiful iris no matter their hue.
When buying from a local grower ask for pictures to determine what color combinations are being purchased.
Buying from a reputable catalog will probably insure getting what is required.
Serious iris growers will want to know these color combinations for later propagation.
