Sweet Flag Iris
Iris pallida
Jefferson referred to iris as “flags,” a term still used today to describe all varieties of these hardy drought, disease, and insect resistant spring blooming bulbs.
This handsome Iris species belongs to an ancient group, dating to the seventeenth century, that was the ancestor to our modern Tall Bearded Iris. Early American settlers grew Iris pallida types because they were easy to transport across the Atlantic and the continent. They are tough, drought resistant, long-lived, and resistant to borers and disease. Jefferson recorded growing irises at Monticello, but it is not clear whether or not this species was among them.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
When you're here...
Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
