Louisiana iris refers to five naturally occurring species in the Series Hexagonae of the Genus Iris. The term also includes hybrids created through human-assisted cross-pollination or naturally when the species grow in proximity. Together, these irises form a diverse, adaptable, and vibrant group of plants well-suited to gardens in many regions nationwide. They are right at home around New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
Although virtually unknown in horticulture less than a century ago, many gardeners now grow and enjoy Louisiana irises. However, despite significant strides in recognition, they are not yet as widely known and appreciated as they deserve to be. Even after years of promotion, many people still exclaim, “I had no idea they came in so many colors.”
This section of the site – The Irises – is dedicated to the plants themselves. Read on to learn what’s worth knowing about Louisiana irises. We’ll start with the species – there are separate pages on each – and introduce the fascinating topic of the discovery and development of the irises. Finally, we’ll direct you to the most comprehensive information on the modern Louisiana iris cultivars. The changes are astounding.
The core Louisiana iris species are wild plants that evolved naturally without human intervention and that are recognized for defining characteristics. While five species are widely included in the group, taxonomists and geneticists occasionally debate the exact classification. The principal species recognized are:
A sixth species, Iris savannarum is also increasingly acknowledged. It and I. hexagona are native to the East Coast and do not occur in Louisiana. No state is home to more than two of the species except Louisiana, where four occur: Irises fulva, giganticaerulea, brevicaulis, and nelsonii.
Variation
Species irises exhibit unique and defining characteristics, but individual plants within a species differ significantly in color, form, and other features. Because the species are cross-fertile, the variation forms the basis of a wide array of diverse hybrids. A separate page will be devoted to each species, but the following thumbnails illustrate the diversity that nature presented without any effort by humans.
Giganticaerulea
Fulva
Brevicaulis
Nelsonii
The story of Louisiana iris hybrids began long before human intervention. In the wetlands of Louisiana, where the ranges of several species sometimes overlap, natural hybridization occurred with the help of pollinators like bumblebees and hummingbirds. These naturally occurring hybrids – many initially mistaken for new species – were discovered and publicized in the 1920s and 1930s, sparking widespread interest and exploration. This marked the beginning of the Louisiana irises’ journey from native wildflower to valued garden plant.
By the 1940s, deliberate hybridization efforts were underway. Breeders began cross-pollinating species and natural hybrids to develop irises with novel colors, distinctive flower forms, and improved disease resistance. These early efforts laid the foundation for a dramatic expansion in iris diversity. Today, more than 2,500 hybrid Louisiana irises have been registered with the American Iris Society.
Gardeners now enjoy a wide array of modern cultivars, and they can also grow the original wild species, celebrating both the history and natural beauty of all of these remarkable plants. Many appreciate the elegance and simplicity of the wild irises, which are complemented—but not overshadowed—by the stunning innovations of modern hybrids.
Learn More
A full appreciation of Louisiana irises comes from understanding the core species, the fascinating story of the “period of discovery” in Louisiana, and the evolution of the plants from species to the early and modern hybrids. Individual species sections on this site will describe the key characteristics of each and provide references to additional information.
Currently, the best source for a history of Louisiana iris discovery and the development of the modern hybrids is on the Society for Louisiana Irises website. We will add more here in the future, so please come back from time to time.
The species pages will be ready soon.
All rights reserved 2025
