What is a butterfly iris?

The butterfly iris is an African iris with clumping foliage and single blooms. The foliage on a butterfly iris is sword-like in appearance and forms clumps.

The butterfly iris is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones from 8b and upwards. Flowers last only a day or so. The butterfly iris prefers full sun or partial shade and can adapt to most types of soil. They grow about three to four feet in height, depending on conditions. To grow a butterfly iris, plant the irises 2 to 3 feet apart from each other. Fertilize the flowers twice per year for the best growth.