Iris germanica 'Apricot Frosty' is a bearded iris celebrated for its soft apricot pink blooms brushed with hints of lavender and ivory. Its ruffled petals and upright habit bring elegant structure and color to spring borders and mixed perennial beds.
Height & Spread: 30 - 34 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil; avoid excessive moisture
Watering Needs: Low once established; water during prolonged drought or dry spells
Deer Resistance: High
Native Status
Not native to North America. This cultivar originates from European species and has been extensively hybridized for ornamental use in gardens across temperate regions.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Attracts Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Painted Ladies that are drawn to its vibrant color and accessible nectar.
Bees
- Native bumblebees and digger bees frequently visit the wide open blooms for pollen, especially in sunny morning hours.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides an early nectar source for syrphid flies and parasitic wasps that support ecological balance in the garden.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Plant 18 - 24 in apart to ensure good air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Landscape Placement
- Best placed in sunny borders, formal garden rows, or cottage gardens where their vertical form and unique coloration can be fully appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Peony 'Coral Charm' - Soft coral blooms echo the warm apricot hues and offer a lush, rounded contrast to the upright iris.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple flower spikes provide a cool tone and attract pollinators through early summer.
- Nepeta 'Walker's Low' - Sprawling blue lavender blooms soften the base of iris clumps and attract bees and butterflies.
- Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle) - Chartreuse flowers and frothy texture enhance the ruffled elegance of the iris blooms.
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) - Towering bell shaped blooms create height layering and extend the bloom sequence in mixed borders.