Iris Base

• Iris plants grow from bulbs, or rhizomes. Each rhizome can bear several iris stems, which grow up and bear the plants themselves.
  
  

Iris Stems

• Iris stems are long, relatively stable appendages that grow straight from the rhizomes and bear the iris flowers. They rarely need support, and can be anywhere from 4 inches to 2 feet long.
  
  

Iris Leaves

• Iris leaves sprout from the base of the stems, and are wide, spear-shaped and very firm.
  
  

Iris Flowers

• The anatomy of an iris flower is quite unique. Five petals spread wide, with three petals hanging down and forward, and two petals extending up and back. In the middle of the iris is the "arm" which contains the reproductive equipment of stigma and stamen. Different iris flowers have different additions to this basic iris anatomy, depending on breed.
  
  

Iris Lifespans

• Irises bloom in spring or summer, rebloom throughout their growing season, and then die back and go dormant for the winter. Iris plants can live for many years, and can be divided at their roots to propagate new plants.