Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Iris 'Rasputin'
Rasputin Iris
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Height
- 3 ft to 3.5 ft
- Width
- 1.5 ft to 2 ft
- Flower color
- Soft peach standards, deep violet purple falls and bright orange beards
- Foliage color
- Blue green sword shaped leaves forming an upright fan shaped clump
- Bloom time
- Late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flower stalks and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees and pollinators attracted to nectar and pollen rich flowers
About this plant
Iris 'Rasputin' produces richly colored flowers with soft peach-colored standards, velvety plum-purple falls, and bright tangerine beards, blooming in late spring. Upright, sword-like leaves are blue-green and provide strong vertical structure. The flowers are carried on sturdy stems above the foliage, with broad, gently ruffled petals and subtle veining that add texture and depth during bloom. The vibrant beards provide a warm accent that highlights the darker tones of the falls.
Originating through modern hybrid breeding, this cultivar reflects selection focused on saturated color and refined flower form. It is well suited to borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial plantings, where its late spring bloom and architectural foliage contribute lasting seasonal interest and visual appeal.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses
Design tip
The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
