Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Iris germanica var. florentina (Iris - orris root)
Iris germanica var. florentina (Iris - orris root)
Fragrant white iris grown for ornamental blooms & traditional orris root use
📦 Shipping is charged at real carrier rates.We don’t mark up shipping—costs reflect distance from our nursery and careful plant packing.
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Iris germanica var. florentina is grown for both beauty and tradition. This classic bearded iris produces tall, sword-like blue-green foliage and elegant, lightly fragrant flowers in shades of white to pale violet in late spring to early summer.
Below the surface, its creeping rhizomes are naturally aromatic and have been harvested for centuries as orris root, an important ingredient in traditional perfumery, potpourri, and herbal preparations. When cured, the rhizomes develop a soft, violet-like scent prized as a fixative and fragrance base.
In the garden, this iris prefers full sun and excellent drainage. It forms tidy clumps that benefit from being lifted, divided, and replanted every 3–4 years to maintain strong flowering and healthy growth. Once established, it is drought tolerant and long lived.
This is a plant that earns its place in both ornamental gardens and historic herb collections.
PLANT DETAILS
- Botanical name: Iris germanica var. florentina
- Common name: Orris Root Iris, Florentine Iris
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Height × Width: ~2 ft. × 2½ ft.
- Foliage: Sword-like, blue-green
- Flower color: White to pale violet
- Fragrance: Lightly fragrant flowers; aromatic rhizomes
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Low to moderate
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9
BEST USES
- Perennial borders
- Historic and medicinal gardens
- Perfumery and potpourri (orris root)
- Cottage and classical garden designs
GROWING NOTES
- Requires excellent drainage to prevent rhizome rot
- Divide and replant clumps every 3–4 years
- Rhizomes should sit close to the soil surface
- Performs best in sunny, open locations
WHY GROW ORRIS ROOT
- Elegant, fragrant bearded iris flowers
- Aromatic rhizomes used in perfumery and crafts
- Long-lived, low-maintenance perennial
- Valuable plant for historic and herbal gardens
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Are your plants inspected for plant health and disease?
Yes. Our nursery is inspected at least twice each year by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and meets state plant health and disease standards.
Why does shipping cost what it does for live plants?
Shipping live plants requires careful packaging, seasonal timing, and fast transit to ensure they arrive healthy.
Our shipping rates are calculated in real time based on box size, weight, and destination, and we always select the best available option for safe, timely delivery.
We never inflate shipping costs — you pay what it costs us to ship your order safely.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.