15 Different Types of Pink Iris Varieties For Your Flowerbeds

Looking for some pink irises to pretty up your landscape this season? Although it’s not the most common color in the genus, there are plenty of pink irises on the market. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros takes a closer look at 15 varieties you may want to consider.

A gorgeous pale pink iris with sunlight illuminating its delicate petals stands tall in the garden

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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

Close up of several light pink flowers that have ruffled petals half pointed up and half folding down.
‘Pink Attraction’ is known to bloom twice, once in late spring and again in early fall.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Pink Attraction’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a light pink flower with ruffled edges and a light orange stamen in the center.
‘Lovely Kay’ will thrive in full sun and reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Lovely Kay’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up a white and light pink flower. Its six petals overlapping each other that has a yellow center that fades out to light pink and white.
This unique iris variety thrives near natural water sources and full sun.
botanical-name botanical name Iris ensata ‘Pink Frost’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a flower with rose-pink petals and brighter pink edging on her falls. Blooms are intensely scalloped and ruffled around the edges. The throat is orange. the background is green and blurred.
 ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ has a light, clean scent and can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Jennifer Rebecca’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a beautiful seashell-pink flower with elegant ruffling petals that have subtle streaks of cream in them.
If planted in the right soil, you will enjoy the ‘June Krauss’ flower for many seasons.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘June Krauss’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Field of tall flower stalks with flowers that have flat, wide petals with very little frill, standards are small and slightly more ruffled in the center.
The ‘Coho’ iris has a unique look that is much different than your traditional iris.
botanical-name botanical name Iris ensata ‘Coho’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to part shade
height height 3-4 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a salmon pink flower with petals that have loosely scalloped edges and central beards that are a deep shade of apricot. 
‘Diamond Blush’ is known for its spicy scent and double blooms.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Diamond Blush’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Flowers with light pink petals pointed up and stiff oval petals pointed down. Falls have deep yellow throats with some burgundy veining. 
‘Dance Ballerina Dance’ will thrive in wet environments.
botanical-name botanical name Iris sibirica ‘Dance Ballerina Dance’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a flower with shades of peachy pink and lavender that bleed together on broad petals with scalloped edges, with apricot colored beards peaking out from their centers.
The ‘Bellini’ iris does best in cooler climates and prefers dry, well-drained soil.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Bellini’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a mauve flower that has spade-shaped petals with drops of water on them.
‘Aunt Shirley’ iris can handle wet soil and prefers hot, humid climates.
botanical-name botanical name Iris louisiana ‘Aunt Shirley’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a light pink flower with ruffled petals and a pink stamen in the center.
‘I Pink I Can’ is dusty pink and thrives in full sun.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘I Pink I Can’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a light pink flower with broad ruffled petals and a pink stamen in the center.
‘Sixtine’s Pink’ is named after a French botanist and comes in many colors.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Sixtine’s Pink’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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’

Close up of two pink flowers with ruffled petals. The petals are opera pink with pale centers and coral beards. The sun shines on these flowers that grow from green foliage that stands upright from the base of the plants. More of these floral marvels grow in the background but are out of focus.
‘Happenstance’ is considered one of the most hardy hybrids of the pink iris varieties.
botanical-name botanical name Iris ‘Happenstance’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a orangish-pink flower with crimped edges on the petals and prominent shrimp-colored beards.
‘Pinking of You’ makes up for its short stature with stunning and vibrant monochromatic colors.
botanical-name botanical name Iris germanica ‘Pinking of You’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-2 feet
hardiness-zones 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

Close up of a bubblegum pink flower that has raspberry veins and bright yellow center. Outer petals are quite large and incurved while center petals are small, simple and upright. 
‘Pink Lady’ has a whimsical appearance and unique pink coloring.
botanical-name botanical name Iris ensata ‘Pink Lady’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3 feet
hardiness-zones 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. 

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