‘Symphony’ features pale lilac to lavender-grey upright standards and canary-yellow falls. This unusual combination creates a soft, luminous contrast that works especially well in pastel gardens, white and mauve plantings, and refined spring floral arrangements.
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Flowering bulb
Iridaceae
Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica ‘Symphony’)
Iris × hollandica ‘Symphony’
Dutch iris ‘Symphony’ offers refined flowers combining pale lilac to lavender-grey standards with canary-yellow falls. Its upright habit, reaching 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in), is ideal for garden beds, containers and spring bouquets.
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness
Zones 5 to 9
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Iridaceae
Type
Flowering bulb
Cycle
Bulbous perennial
Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica ‘Symphony’) is an upright, slender bulbous perennial reaching approximately 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) tall. Its narrow, linear, grey-green foliage surrounds sturdy flowering stems carrying a particularly distinctive colour combination. The upright standards are pale lilac to lavender-grey, while the drooping falls are bright canary yellow, creating a contrast that is both soft and striking. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. Its airy vertical silhouette adds structure without making garden plantings feel heavy. This cultivar belongs to the horticultural Dutch iris group and provides a refined seasonal display among other spring-flowering bulbs and early perennials.
This cultivar prefers full sun but tolerates light partial shade where the location remains bright. It performs best in light, fertile soil enriched with organic matter and, most importantly, excellent drainage, as the bulbs do not tolerate prolonged standing moisture. In Quebec, plant them in fall from September to December before the ground freezes, approximately 100 to 120 mm deep and 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart. Water lightly after planting, then moderately during active spring growth. Following bloom, allow the foliage to yellow naturally before removing it so stored nutrients can return to the bulb and support growth and flowering in the following season.
Its unusual pairing of pale lilac and canary yellow makes this plant a refined choice for beds, borders, grouped plantings, containers and cutting gardens. It combines especially well with mauve or white tulips, pale daffodils, ornamental alliums and silver-grey foliage. The long, straight stems are also highly useful for spring bouquets and create light, graphic floral arrangements indoors. The flowers may be visited by pollinating insects when they are active during the blooming period. Like other irises, this plant is not edible, and ingestion may be harmful, particularly to pets. Bulbs and other plant material should therefore be kept away from curious dogs and cats.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart
Best planting time
September to December, before the ground freezes
Propagation
Division of bulb offsets
Growing method
Plant the bulbs in fall in loose, fertile and sharply drained soil, 100 to 120 mm deep and 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart. Position the pointed end upward, cover with soil and water lightly. In spring, maintain moderate moisture without saturating the soil. Grow in full sun or light partial shade. After flowering, remove faded blooms if desired and leave the foliage intact until it yellows naturally so it can replenish the bulb’s stored energy.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH
Acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone
Zones 5 to 9
Minimum temperature
Approximately -29 °C
Watering
Low to moderate; moderate during active spring growth
Soil type
Light, fertile, humus-rich and sharply drained soil
Fertilization
Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring and after flowering
Seasonal care
In fall, plant the bulbs before the ground freezes in loose, sharply drained soil, then water lightly to ensure good soil contact. In spring, maintain moderate moisture as shoots emerge and apply a light fertilizer if needed. During flowering, cut stems for bouquets or remove faded blooms. After flowering, gradually reduce watering but leave all foliage intact while it remains green. Wait until it has completely yellowed before removing it. Near the colder limit of its hardiness in Quebec, mulch applied after the ground freezes can help moderate repeated freeze-thaw cycles and provide additional protection around the bulbs.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
Pot at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) in diameter
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Pale lilac, lavender-grey and canary yellow
Foliage color
Grey-green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
Late spring to early summer
Maximum height
60 cm (24 in)
Maximum width
15 cm (6 in)
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Mauve or white tulips, pale daffodils, ornamental alliums and silver foliage
Avoid planting with
Plants requiring constantly moist or waterlogged soil
Beds, borders, containers, grouped plantings and cut flowers
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Plant the bulbs in fall, generally from September to December, before the ground freezes. Set them approximately 100 to 120 mm deep in a sharply drained location. This timing allows them to begin establishing roots before active spring growth resumes.
‘Symphony’ generally reaches 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) tall at maturity. Its stems remain slender and upright, adding light vertical structure to borders and making it easy to use among lower plants or in dedicated cutting gardens.
Yes. Its long, straight stems and pale lilac and canary-yellow contrast make it an excellent cut flower. Harvest the stems when the buds are well developed and beginning to show colour, then place them promptly in fresh water.
No. Irises can cause irritation and digestive upset when ingested, with the underground parts presenting particular concern. Keep bulbs and plant debris away from dogs and cats, and prevent pets from digging in areas where the bulbs have recently been planted.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
