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Irises are often described in terms of the patterns of colors on their standards and falls. The most common patterns are:
Amoena: Standards are white with falls of a different color. A reverse amoena has the colors inverted.
Variegata: Standards are yellow and falls are darker, usually a reddish tint.
Self: Standards and falls are the same color.
Bicolor: Standards and falls are two different colors with the falls usually darker than the standards.
Plicata: A color pattern with a lighter base color overlaid with a stitched, dotted, or stippled pattern of a darker color.
Blend: Two or more colors are present on the standards or falls or both.

We have categorized the huge variety of iris colors into broad sets by the dominant hue of the flower. There can be substantial color variation when the same iris is grown in different soils and climatic conditions in different areas of the country. As if this were not enough, the same iris viewed or photographed in early morning light will look different when photographed at midday, before sunset, or in the shade, because the color of the light striking the iris is different under each of these circumstances. The pictures are also affected by a multitude of technical issues related to the cameras, computer screens and printers used to prepare the images. As a result, there may be some variation between what you see online and what blooms in your garden. This is particularly true for the blue, purple, and black irises.

Click on each flower below to see a list of irises that match that pattern or hue.

Amoena Variegata Self Bicolor Plicata Blend
  
White Blue Black Violet Lavender Pink
  
Yellow Burgundy Red Orange Brown
  

Amoena   Variegata    Self   Bicolor    Plicata   Blend   
White   Blue    Black   Purple    Lavender   Pink   
Yellow   Burgundy    Red   Orange    Brown

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