Perennial
? Decorative
? Blooms: May–June.
? Favorite of pollinators
The blue iris is one of the oldest flowers in European gardens, valued for its expressive flowers and ease of care. The exact origin of this plant is not entirely clear, but it is believed that it developed in the gardens of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region as a cultivated form of irises. Already in the Middle Ages, irises grew in monastery gardens and manor flower beds, from which they eventually spread to the surroundings of towns and country estates.
In monastery gardens, irises were valued not only for their beauty. The roots of some species were used in medicine and to make perfumes, but the plant attracted most attention for its ornate flowers. The bluish-purple flowers of irises stood out among other plants in the garden and became one of the brightest accents of late spring.
In manor gardens, irises often grew along paths, at the edges of flower beds, or next to other perennial flowers. The stiff, sword-like leaves and tall flower stalks gave the flower beds a clear shape and verticality. Irises were also valued for their hardiness – they could grow in one place for many years without requiring complex care.
In rural nurseries, blue-flowered irises usually bloomed near fences, along the edges of the nursery, or near the wall of the house. Their early bloom and rich color immediately caught the eye after a long winter. Irises combined beautifully with peonies, lilies, carnations, or other traditional nursery flowers, adding liveliness and color variety to the flower beds.
Irises were also popular in urban environments. They grew near residential buildings, schools, churches, or cemeteries. Due to their longevity and unpretentiousness, irises often survived even after the environment of flower beds changed or the old nurseries deteriorated.
In Eastern Aukštaitija, irises were quite common in homestead nurseries. They grew together with peonies, fireweed or phlox, and due to their easy reproduction, they quickly took root in various homesteads. In abandoned homestead areas, irises sometimes bloom again among the grass in late spring, reminding us of the nurseries that once existed here.
Today, the blue-flowered iris still remains a popular ornamental plant. Although various new iris varieties are often grown in gardens, the old forms are valued as traditional nursery plants, characteristic of the historic Lithuanian rural landscape.
