Leonine Iris - Iris Companion Plants

Companion plants for irises are as much a personal decision as a practical decision. As long as they share compatible needs for light, water and fertilizer without over crowding the high-priority irises, they should thrive together!

Some of my favorite combinations:

Hostas, rhododendrons, azaleas and ferns mix quite well with Pacific Coast Irises.
Alternating Daylilies and Spuria irises is a great combination. Spurias bloom before Daylilies; their flower spikes rise above the Daylily foliage. Then, once the Spurias are done blooming and going into a semi-dormant state, the Daylilies start blooming and their foliage hides part of the Spuria foliage.
Iris japonica is an excellent under-story plant for native plantings, as is Iris cristata. An established planting of I. japonica in bloom will provide a delicate scent as the airy flower stalks extend above the foliage. I. cristata blooms a delicate touch color above groundcovers and the foliage adds a little height and texture during the remainder of the growing season.
Miniature Dwarf, Standard Dwarf, and Pacific Coast Irises are all excellent additions to rock gardens and low borders.