Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Color Theory'
Color Theory Iris
- Height
- 3 to 3 1/2 feet
- Width
- 1 1/2 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Yellow-green and lavender with warm orange beards
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
- Bloom time
- Midseason to late season
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Color Theory' is a tall bearded iris with large, lacy, ruffled flowers opening from mid to late season. Yellow-green standards are washed with lavender, while the falls blend yellow-green with lavender splashes and greyed-orange markings near the hafts. Orange beards provide a warm accent, and the lightly fragrant flowers are carried on well-branched stalks. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms tidy fans beneath the blooms.
Introduced by Schreiner's Gardens in 2026, 'Color Theory' originated from a cross between 'Oldie Goldie' and 'Bamboo Shadows' and was registered as seedling G458-A. Its complex coloring suits sunny perennial borders, cottage gardens, and dedicated iris beds. Place it near walkways for close viewing or include it in cutting gardens, where the softly blended flowers bring unusual color to spring arrangements.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Spirea · Lavender · Peonies · Salvia · Yarrow · Creeping thyme · Lamb's ear
Design tip
Use 'Color Theory' to bridge warm and cool sections of a sunny planting, taking advantage of its mix of lavender and yellow tones. Repeat soft purples and muted golds elsewhere in the bed to create continuity while keeping the overall arrangement relaxed and natural.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
