Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Central Intelligence'
Central Intelligence Iris
- Height
- 3 to 3 1/2 feet
- Width
- 1 1/2 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- White and greyed blue with deep violet-purple markings
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
- Bloom time
- Early midseason to late season
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Central Intelligence' is a tall bearded plicata iris with heavily ruffled flowers that bloom from early midseason through late season. Cool white standards are finely washed and dotted with greyed blue, with subtle green-tan yellow along the margins. White falls are patterned with violet-purple veining and dotting that deepens to rich purple at the edges, while golden-yellow beards brighten the centers. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms sturdy fans below.
Introduced in 2022 by Oregon hybridizer Keith Keppel, 'Central Intelligence' brings intricate pattern and cool coloring to sunny garden plantings. Its long bloom window makes it especially useful in perennial borders and dedicated iris beds, where it can extend the seasonal display. Plant it near walkways for a closer look at the detailed markings or include it in cutting gardens for distinctive spring arrangements.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Lilac · Bluebeard · Lupine · Shasta daisy · Allium · Candytuft · Creeping phlox
Design tip
Give 'Central Intelligence' a spot where its intricate flower pattern can be appreciated at close range rather than lost at the back of a large bed. A simple backdrop of green foliage helps define the detailed blooms and keeps the surrounding planting from competing for attention.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
