Iris germanica 'Smith Rock'

Iris germanica 'Smith Rock' is a head-turner in borders and vases. The beautifully proportioned blossoms feature classically ruffled, pale apricot standards atop violet-blue falls trimmed in a pale, frilly flesh tone. A spray of dark violet etchings frames pronounced reddish-orange beards. Early.

Named after the distinctive fuzzy beards upon their lower petals, or falls, Bearded Iris grow from modified stems called rhizomes, which extend horizontally in the soil and send out roots and shoots from nodes. The American Iris Society has classified them into six groups differentiated mainly by height, from the Miniature Dwarf Bearded Iris (up to 8" tall) to the Tall Bearded Iris (27½" tall or more). The huge array of Bearded Iris cultivars includes flowers of every possible color. Here in Connecticut, they bloom in June, with some varieties occasionally sending forth a second round of blossoms in summer or early fall. Plenty of sun and good drainage are the primary requirements for success. Bearded Iris will repeat their lavish display for many years.

The Iris genus is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and it’s easy to see why. These brilliantly colored, spring-flowering perennials are part of a huge plant family that contains upwards of 300 species which are native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Iris range from timid and inconspicuous wildlings to the splendid and extravagant Tall Bearded Iris, which create striking vertical highlights in the late spring border. The chosen habitats of Iris range from standing water to formal borders, and there is scarcely a color or combination of colors that can't be found. Iris plants are fairly indestructible. They thrive in most parts of the country and are largely critter resistant. Adding to their appeal, they are attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Even after bloom, the vertical foliage persists through the growing season. Plant a variety and enjoy a rainbow of colors that will return year after year in your garden.

For more information on growing Iris, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].