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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB), Plicata
Height: 30 inches
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: Apricot-orange with raspberry-purple markings
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Early midseason
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Rock Star'

Rock Star Iris

Iris 'Rock Star' is a tall bearded plicata iris with heavily ruffled flowers that bloom in early midseason. Apricot-orange standards are densely patterned with raspberry-purple markings, giving them an overall rosy appearance. The falls retain more of their warm apricot ground, surrounded by raspberry-purple stitching that becomes heavier across the shoulders. Red-orange beards extend into small orange horns flecked with purple, adding an unusual detail to the flower.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Early midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Walkways
Cut Flower Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Dwarf barberry · Shrub cinquefoil · Purple coneflower · Coreopsis · Sea holly · Lamb's ear · Creeping thyme

Design tip

Take advantage of 'Rock Star's' shorter stature by placing it toward the front of a planting, where its detailed markings and unusual horns remain visible. A simple backdrop of green or silver foliage will keep the intricate flowers from appearing overly busy.