Finding Irises

View Them

Your ability to see blooming Louisiana irises depends on where you live. In areas where the irises are native, there may be accessible natural areas where they can be viewed. In many places, botanical and other public gardens may maintain plantings of the irises, both species and cultivars.

Most iris societies hold accredited iris shows in the spring. If Louisianas are popular in the area, there are likely to be growers who will enter cultivars in the competition. Join or connect with your local iris society to learn more. The American Iris Society maintains a list of local societies HERE*. In some places, local organizations may offer tours of members’ gardens, and if they grow Louisianas, that’s an excellent place to see them and talk to growers.

Your best bet is to join a local iris society. You will be connecting with the most serious iris growers in your community. If there are opportunities to see Louisiana irises in your area, society members will lead you to them.

Gardens

Briarwood Nature Preserve
Saline, LA

Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden
Savannah, GA

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Park
New Orleans, LA

Island Iris Nursery, Greater New Orleans Iris Society, City Park
New Orleans, LA

Moncus Park
Lafayette, LA

Independence Park Botanic Garden
Baton Rouge, LA

Mercer Botanic Garden
Houston, TX

Natural Areas

For Iris giganticaerulea

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
New Orleans, LA

Joyce Wildlife Management Area Swampwalk
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Ponchatoula, LA, off I-55

For Iris nelsonii

Palmetto Island State Park
Abbeville, LA

Cypress Lake campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Iris Shows

Central Arkansas Iris Society

Annual Show | Little Rock

Iris Society of Dallas

Annual Show

Conventions

Society for Louisiana Irises

Annual Convention

Buy Them

Mail–order Nurseries

Bois d’Arc Gardens
Shriever, LA
Collier’s Garden
Lawson, MO
Iris City Gardens
Primm Springs, TN
Louisiana Iris Farms
Lafayette, LA
Diversity Acres
Woodbridge, VA
Blue Monday Louisiana Iris
Baton Rouge, LA
Three Shovels Farm
St. Matthews, SC

Retail Nurseries

Nurseries specializing in aquatic plants tend to have the largest selections.

Many retail nurseries offer a few cultivars, mostly in the spring.

Club Sales & Auctions

Society for Louisiana Irises Annual Convention

Live auction

Greater New Orleans Iris Society

Fall and Spring Sales

The Garden Club of Houston

Houston Bulb Mart