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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB)
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

Irises

Iris 'Color Theory'

Color Theory Iris

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Midseason to late season

Find this plant

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.