A universal symbol of romance, affection, and femininity, pink is typically used in floral design to hit sweet and soft notes. But pink can have much more depth and sing a significantly broader tune in the garden. Though not a standard iris color, some pink iris varieties are worth seeking out!
This is particularly true in the iris genus, where there are a handful of true pastel-pink cultivars but also blooms in fuchsia, blush, magenta, and strawberry. Some varieties feature multiple shades of pink on the same flower, while others pair the hue with a surprising palette of colors from other parts of the spectrum.
Most iris species are hardy between zones 3 and 9, with some demanding more sun and heat than others. They range in height from 6 inches to 4 feet and are easy to care for. Here’s a profile of 15 pink irises guaranteed to scratch your itch for something pretty in pink!
‘Pink Attraction‘
‘Pink Attraction’ is known to bloom twice, once in late spring and again in early fall.
 | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Pink Attraction’ |
|---|---|
 | sun requirements Full sun |
 | height 2-3 feet |
 | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This softly ruffled German variety of pink iris features baby-pink petals with subtle violet and tangerine undertones. Veins and beards are also a pale orange color. Blooms are large and fluffy, with upright standards and flat, firm falls.
As a reblooming iris cultivar, ‘Pink Attraction’ offers the bonus of flowering twice per season. After a first showing in late spring, these irises will rest and bloom again in late summer or early fall. Deadhead flowers by cutting stems back to the base after the spring bloom to encourage a robust second showing.
‘Lovely Kay‘
‘Lovely Kay’ will thrive in full sun and reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Lovely Kay’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
With a distinctly feminine form and orchid-pink iris variety, ‘Lovely Kay’ is a garden standout wherever she is planted. Falls petals are flat and outstretched, while standards clasp firmly above them. The edges are loosely scalloped, and the beards are orange.
Equally at home in a large, formal mass or mixed into a perennial bed with other pastel flowers, this cultivar stands tall and steals the show. German irises require division every 3 or 4 years to flower reliably. Dig them up, divide them with a sharp shovel, and replant each clump as if it were a new installation.
‘Pink Frost‘
This unique iris variety thrives near natural water sources and full sun.
| | botanical name Iris ensata ‘Pink Frost’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
A lovely Japanese iris with delicate flowers and slim, bright leaves, this cultivar enjoys moist soil conditions and will thrive near a creek or natural water source.
Petals are thin and lavender-pink with white centers that are almost transparent. Yellow signals flame out from prominent throats and mark the falls brilliantly.
A fast-spreader, ‘Pink Frost’ becomes dense quickly and requires regular division. Cut stems back to the base after flowering. The foliage then takes on the role of ornamental grass, providing structure and contrast for the remainder of the season.
‘Jennifer Rebecca‘
‘Jennifer Rebecca’ has a light, clean scent and can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
Another reblooming pink variety of iris from the Tall Bearded class, ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ has rose-pink petals with bright violet edging on her falls. Blooms are intensely scalloped with sheared margins and multiple buds per stem. They last an exceptionally long time after cutting and fill the air with a light, clean scent.
This cultivar has a multi-branching habit with sage green foliage that contrasts nicely against the dark green leaves of other perennials. Cut stems back after flowers have faded, and ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ will bloom again toward the end of summer.
‘June Krauss‘
If planted in the right soil, you will enjoy the ‘June Krauss’ flower for many seasons.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘June Krauss’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This delightful German pink iris variety from the Tall Bearded class features seashell-pink blooms with elegant ruffling and subtle streaks of cream. Beards are also a soft pink and blend into the throats, which have hints of coral in bright sunlight.
‘June Krauss’ has a firm, regal stature and bright green leaves that stand firm in the landscape after flowering is complete. Plant this cultivar in full sun, where the soil will drain well and not hold standing water, and it will return faithfully for many seasons.
‘Coho‘
The ‘Coho’ iris has a unique look that is much different than your traditional iris.
| | botanical name Iris ensata ‘Coho’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to part shade |
| | height 3-4 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
Each iris has two branches and between 5 and 7 buds on this tall, slim Japanese iris. Reaching up to 4 feet, flowers are lavender-pink with bright yellow signals.
Falls petals are flat and wide with very little frill, while standards are small and slightly more ruffled. Plant ‘Coho’ in full sun with some relief from hot afternoon rays for best results.
The foliage on this species sets ‘Coho’ apart from its German iris cousins. Its leaves are slender and bright green, remaining upright all season.
Like all Japanese irises, this cultivar enjoys moist soil during the season but requires dry roots during dormancy. These preferences should be considered when planting ‘Coho’ in your landscape.
‘Diamond Blush‘
‘Diamond Blush’ is known for its spicy scent and double blooms.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Diamond Blush’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This delicate, bearded iris blends salmon and pink in the same bloom to create an ombre effect in the garden. Petals have loosely scalloped edges and central beards in a deep shade of apricot.
‘Diamond Blush’ has a light, spicy scent and blooms in late spring. As a reblooming variety, it pushes a second flush of flowers late in the season. Its stems are thick, and the foliage is sword-like with a firm, upright habit.
‘Dance Ballerina Dance‘
‘Dance Ballerina Dance’ will thrive in wet environments.
| | botanical name Iris sibirica ‘Dance Ballerina Dance’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This cultivar has stiff, horizontal lower petals that resemble a ballerina’s tutu. The upper petals are ruffled, upright, and clasped like a dancer’s hands.
Coloring ranges from a deep mauve pink on the falls to true princess pink on the standards. Falls have deep yellow throats with some burgundy veining. Petal edges are trimmed with white.
As a Siberian iris, ‘Dance Ballerina Dance’ can handle sites with excessive moisture and tolerates periods of standing water during the growing season. They appreciate some relief from the hot afternoon sun in warmer zones.
‘Bellini‘
The ‘Bellini’ iris does best in cooler climates and prefers dry, well-drained soil.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Bellini’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This frilly German iris has the personality of a sparkling summer cocktail. Refreshing shades of peachy pink and lavender bleed together on broad petals with scalloped edges, while apricot beards peak out from their centers. Blooms open in late spring or early summer, depending on where you live, and persist for about two weeks.
‘Bellini’ flowers are born atop firm stems that hold up well in a vase. The foliage is substantial and remains green long into the fall. Like all German irises, this one prefers cool winters and demands well-drained roots.
‘Aunt Shirley‘
‘Aunt Shirley’ iris can handle wet soil and prefers hot, humid climates.
| | botanical name Iris louisiana ‘Aunt Shirley’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 6-10 |
This Louisiana iris features a more traditional, ray-form flower and thrives in hot, humid climates. Petals are spade-shaped and vary in color from dusty rose to mauve. They have strong central signals that feather into prominent crimson veins beneath three small standards.
‘Aunt Shirley’ is at home in locations with wet soil and can even grow in water. Remember to provide adequate water for this species if you choose it for your landscape.
‘I Pink I Can‘
‘I Pink I Can’ is dusty pink and thrives in full sun.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘I Pink I Can’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
Flowers are large and ruffled on this iris from the Tall Bearded class. They have dusty pink petals, crepe-like in texture with slightly crinkled edges.
Standing 2 to 3 feet tall in the mid-season iris garden, ‘I Pink I Can’ has a solid presence in the landscape and pairs well with more dramatic irises on the pink-red side of the spectrum. It also contrasts nicely with purple and blue perennials from other plant groups.
‘Sixtine’s Pink‘
‘Sixtine’s Pink’ is named after a French botanist and comes in many colors.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Sixtine’s Pink’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
This simple iris features blooms in the palest shade of pink with lavender undertones. Named after renowned French botanist Sixtine Cayeux, the species is cultivated in many colors. This one is by far the sweetest.
The petals are larger and more spatulate than standards, which are upright and a slightly darker pink. Flowers have deep throats with tangerine-hued beards and subtle veining in a green-gold hue. Leaves are a true green with a thick, sword-like stature.
‘Happenstance’
‘Happenstance’ is considered one of the most hardy hybrids of the pink iris varieties.
| | botanical name Iris ‘Happenstance’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
Blooms are opera pink on this tall bearded iris. The center is slightly paler, and the falls have baby-pink shoulders. The beard is coral in color. The lacey and lightly ruffled petals bloom mid-season on stems reaching 3 feet.
‘Happenstance’ is considered one of the most hardy hybrids of any pink iris variety. Leaves have a purple base and are thin but will stand tall for most of the season. The stems are well-branched, which ensures plenty of these delicate pink blossoms.
‘Pinking of You‘
‘Pinking of You’ makes up for its short stature with stunning and vibrant monochromatic colors.
| | botanical name Iris germanica ‘Pinking of You’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2 feet |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
Another member of the German Iris group with a true pink bloom, ‘Pinking of You’ has crimped petal margins and prominent shrimp-colored beards. Slightly shorter than many of its peers and monochromatic for an iris, this cultivar is a good choice for container arrangements.
Plant it with other irises, annuals, or perennials in shades of purple, blue, and pastel yellow for a soft palette. Do not cut iris leaves back until they’ve browned and winter is approaching, as they will be busy storing energy for next year’s blooms.
‘Pink Lady‘
‘Pink Lady’ has a whimsical appearance and unique pink coloring.
| | botanical name Iris ensata ‘Pink Lady’ |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-3 feet |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
With a lower flower profile and cleaner petal margins than irises in the German or Dutch species, ‘Pink Lady’ is graceful and understated in the landscape or in a vase.
Blooms are bubblegum pink with raspberry veins and bright yellow throats. Falls petals are large and incurved, while standards are small, simple, and upright.
‘Pink Lady’ blooms in early to late summer after many of the German varieties have completed their cycle for the season. This makes it a good choice for a mixed iris bed, where species are selected to create a month-long parade of beautiful blooms.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a pink iris variety for your home garden, you have dozens of choices and may feel overwhelmed. To narrow the field and make your selection process easier, consider the other perennials in your yard first, taking note of their bloom times and determining whether they pair well with bright and bold or soft and sweet colors.
Next, be sure you’re selecting the appropriate species for your zone, as you do not want to plant a Louisiana iris in a location with a long, cold, dry winter. Finally, pay careful attention to your plant’s drainage preference, as this is one of the most important factors in determining plant health and maximizing your yard’s pink iris potential.
