Iris

The Iris appears in both Egyptian and Greek Mythology. The name Iris comes from the Greek word for rainbow, due to the wide variety of colours the flower is found in. The Greek Goddess, Iris, was a messenger between heaven and earth. Historically, the Iris has been a symbol of hope and good news.

As a botanical plant, there are hundreds of varieties of Iris found all around the world. They have been noted to have medicinal benefits and are often used in perfumery as well. Their scent has become popular in aromatherapy also. Most often they are found in gardens, or given as gifts.

Van Gough was well aware of the beauty of the Iris. Many of his paintings featured these blooms. Growing wild in French fields or in still life form placed in a vase, Van Gough has captured the Iris from every possible angle. The Iris also features in many poems, for instance Robert Frost’s The Iris By Night.

The Iris is the flower of France, immortalized in its national symbol, the fleur-de-lis. The Iris is also the floral emblem of the city of Florence in Italy. Florence is home to the world’s largest Iris garden.

The Iris can be poisonous to house pets, so if you are growing them in your garden, it is a good idea to keep them in a place your dog does not have access too.

The Iris is simple yet elegant and is often used in ornamental gardens. The deep blue variety of the plant is perhaps the most commonly found. They look best when presented in a simple bouquet, their strong beauty does not need the complement of other blooms.