1 / 2

Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB), Bicolor
Height: 3 to 3 1/2 feet
Width: 1 1/2 to 2 feet
Flower color: Golden yellow and white with yellow-tipped white beards
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Very early season
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Speed of Light'

Speed of Light Iris

Iris 'Speed of Light' is a tall bearded iris with large, heavily ruffled flowers that appear very early in the iris season. Bright golden-yellow standards rise above broad white falls surrounded by wide golden-yellow margins that soften as they blend toward the pale centers. White beards tipped with yellow continue the two-tone coloring, while the deeply rippled petals give the flowers a full, sculptural appearance.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Very early season

Find this plant

Works well in

Foundation Plantings
Cut Flower Gardens
Formal Gardens
Borders
Walkways

Companion plants

Dwarf weigela · Rose · Blue false indigo · Purple sage · Sea thrift · Silver mound artemisia · Creeping veronica

Design tip

Use 'Speed of Light' to brighten an area that needs an early-season focal point. Its broad white falls keep the intense yellow from becoming overwhelming, making it especially effective near dark evergreen foliage or along a path where the sculptural flowers can be viewed closely.