Birthday
HydrangeasIrises captivate with their elegant shape and wealth of colours, from snow-white and lemon to deep violet and almost black. The genus has around 300 species, and tens of thousands of garden cultivars have been registered. No wonder this flower has so many legends, names and meanings. Here are the most interesting.
The flower of the rainbow goddess
The name comes from the Greek word for rainbow. Iris was the messenger of the Olympian gods, who travelled down to people along the rainbow. One legend says irises grew wherever the rainbow touched the ground, which is why they come in so many colours. In Ukraine irises are affectionately called “pivnyky” — little roosters.
The iris in history
- Crete. The “Prince of the Lilies” fresco from the palace of Knossos (about 3,500 years old) shows flowers that some researchers identify as irises.
- France. Many historians believe the fleur-de-lis of the French kings is a stylised iris, most likely the yellow flag iris.
- Florence. The red “lily” on the city’s coat of arms is also a stylised iris. Iris pallida and the Florentine iris were grown around Florence for centuries: their dried rhizomes yield orris, a violet-scented material still prized in perfumery.
The iris in Japan
On 5 May Japan celebrates Tango no Sekku, originally Boys’ Day and now Children’s Day. Homes are decorated with sword-like shōbu leaves, and people bathe with them for luck and health. The word shōbu sounds like a phrase meaning “respect for the martial spirit”. Strictly speaking, traditional shōbu is sweet flag, a plant often confused with iris; true Japanese irises, hanashōbu, flower a little later, in June, and have whole gardens devoted to them.
Iris meaning by colour
Overall, the iris stands for wisdom, hope, trust and nobility. A bouquet of irises suits a teacher, mentor, colleague or a man, and blue irises pair beautifully with yellow flowers in arrangements in Ukraine’s national colours. Read more about flower symbolism in the language of flowers.
Irises in the garden and the vase
Garden irises are easy-going but dislike shade and damp. If yours won’t flower, see why irises don’t flower, and for species and cultivars see types of irises. Cut irises last 5–7 days in a vase: cut them when the buds show colour and change the water daily. Iris rhizomes are toxic to cats and dogs.
FAQ
What does a gift of irises mean?
Respect, trust, hope and admiration. Blue irises stand for loyalty, yellow ones for friendship and passion.
Why are irises called “little roosters” in Ukraine?
The folk name “pivnyky” is linked to the shape of the flower, which resembles a rooster’s comb.
How long do cut irises last?
About a week if you change the water every day; the buds open one after another.
Iris bouquets are available with delivery in Kyiv from UFL.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
