Why choose Floriverse as your specialist wholesaler?
1. Complete short circuit – from the field to your plot
At Floriverse, Iris bulbs (reticulated bulbs) are grown and packaged by our own horticultural partners, without any middlemen. You benefit from stable producer prices and rigorous quality control on each batch (size, health, uniformity).
2. B2B logistics calibrated for professionals
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Real-time availability: daily stock updates; in a sector where supply is limited, it is advisable to reserve your varieties 3 to 6 months in advance to guarantee varietal choice.
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Express preparation: during the season, delivery within 7 to 15 days throughout France and Europe. Outside Europe is possible upon request.
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Optimized packaging: packaging varies according to the volume ordered; we select the most protective solution for the health of the bulbs while guaranteeing the best optimization of logistics costs.
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Delivery: France delivered within 7 days, Europe within 15 days; for destinations outside Europe, we prepare a tailor-made offer. Incoterms DAP or FCA of your choice.
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Proactive monitoring: real-time tracking by our teams.
3. Horticultural expertise
Founded in 2024 by plant enthusiasts, Floriverse offers its expertise in flower bulb cultivation to professional florists. Our technical team advises you on:
- the choice of planting calendars (open field / greenhouse forcing),
- optimal densities to maximize the rate of marketable stems,
- integrated management of pests and sustainable fertilization.
4. Guarantees & customer reviews
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Google Rating: 5/5
Responsiveness, speed and product quality are the most cited points.
Recent customer excerpts
“The plants are of high quality, extremely careful delivery.” — S. Aubailly (May 2025)
“Responsiveness, professionalism, good price.” — A. Benedetto (Feb. 2025)
“Superb blackcurrant plants, accommodating service.” — F. Laurent (March 2025)
“Responsiveness, friendliness and top-notch products.” — E. Fleurat (Jan. 2025)
“Professional advice, fast delivery, impeccable quality.” — V. Morales (Nov. 2024)
“Unbeatable prices and impeccable customer service.” — AC (Dec. 2024)
How to order from Floriverse?
Request your personalized quote now – response within 48 hours for a batch of Iris bulbs (reticulated bulbs) :
We open your wholesale account in less than 24 hours, with no activation fees, and provide a customized quote based on your volumes.
Multiple commercial applications of Iris
The Iris stands out for its ability to adapt to a multitude of uses, making it a strategic choice for professionals in the sector.
Production of cut flowers: technical characteristics
Iris is highly prized as a cut flower due to its characteristics adapted to market requirements. The stems of the garden iris (Iris germanica) generally measure between 40 and 90 cm , offering ideal lengths for floral arrangements. The Dutch iris (Iris x hollandica) , particularly used in this sector, reaches 50 to 70 cm in length , a perfect size for bouquets. These stems are known to be robust and rigid, allowing excellent support in a vase.
Vase life varies by species: Iris x hollandica is distinguished by a longevity of 5 to 10 days , while the large bearded irises (Iris germanica) offer a life of 3 to 7 days , slightly more sensitive to hot or dry conditions. Some varieties of Iris germanica are also appreciated for their delicate fragrance , a sought-after olfactory asset. However, the relative fragility of their petals and their sensitivity to ethylene require special attention during transport and storage to maintain their quality.
Landscape integration: structuring green spaces
Iris blends harmoniously into various types of landscaping, providing remarkable visual structure and naturalization capacity. For flowerbeds, large Irises (Iris germanica and hybrids), with their heights ranging from 70 to 110 cm , can create spectacular colored mass effects from April. A planting density of 5 to 7 plants per square meter , with a spacing of 30 to 40 cm , ensures good aeration and limits diseases.
In borders, dwarf or intermediate varieties ( 20 to 40 cm in height ) are ideal thanks to their compact shape and early flowering. Their ribbon-like foliage maintains a decorative structure even after flowering. Rockeries also benefit from dwarf irises and certain bulbous species (Dutch irises) which, being drought-resistant and preferring well-drained soils, fill the spaces between stones with a moderate height of 15 to 35 cm .
The naturalization capacity of irises is excellent, especially for bulbous and rhizomatous species. Dutch irises, for example, naturalize very well in light, drained soil, doubling their clump in 4 to 5 years . Rhizomatous irises effectively colonize the ground by horizontal growth of their rhizomes, a clump that can reach 40-50 cm in width in 3 years . For successful naturalization, irises require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day and drained, neutral to calcareous soil, as excess water is their main enemy.
Public spaces and communities: sustainable management
Iris is a relevant choice for communities and the management of large public spaces in France, combining aesthetics, economy, and ecology. Its ease of maintenance is a major economic advantage, requiring only manual weeding and fearing excess water, which reduces labor costs. In addition, its resistance to drought once established makes it a sustainable solution to summer water restrictions. The long flowering period, extending from February to the end of August depending on the species, ensures continuously flowering spaces without constant renewal of plantings.
Bulbous irises (from Holland) are very easy to grow for mass effect, while rhizomatous irises (bearded) colonize large areas efficiently. For successful planting, a very sunny exposure (at least 75% of the day ) and a light, neutral to calcareous, well-drained soil are crucial. Propagation by division of rhizomes also allows technical services to multiply their stock at a lower cost, reinforcing the economic interest of this plant with orchid-like flowers.
Planting protocols and seasonal management
The success of your Iris crops depends on a thorough understanding of their technical planting and maintenance requirements.
Optimal planting schedule and techniques
For bulb and rhizome irises (such as Iris germanica), planting is ideal between June and October , with an optimum in July and August , allowing solid rooting before winter and optimal flowering the following spring. The soil temperature at the time of planting should not be lower than 10°C to encourage rooting and prevent rot.
Planting depth is crucial: iris bulbs should be planted 5 to 8 cm deep , with the tips facing upwards. For rhizomes, they should be positioned almost at ground level, or even slightly emerging, or covered with only 2 to 3 cm of soil . A spacing of 10 to 20 cm between each bulb is recommended, ideally 15 to 20 cm for professional crops to ensure optimal development and good air circulation. For prolific varieties such as bearded irises, a spacing of 25 to 40 cm between each rhizome is recommended, although this may seem large at first.
Soil and drainage requirements
Bulbous and rhizomatous irises require very well-drained soil to prevent rot. A sandy-loam texture is ideal, facilitating drainage and preventing waterlogging. The optimal pH is between 6.5 and 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline), with overly acidic soils to be avoided. Excellent drainage is essential; the addition of 20 to 30% coarse sand or organic matter can improve heavy soils. In very clayey soil, a bed of gravel under the planting area is beneficial, and planting on a mound is recommended in heavy soils to prevent waterlogging.
Exposure conditions and brightness
Full sun is the optimal light exposure for most irises, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for abundant flowering. Insufficient exposure results in significantly reduced flowering and stretched growth. Siberian irises, for example, benefit fully from full sun with rhizomes spaced 60 to 70 cm apart.
Water management and nutritional program
Irises prefer slightly moist but well-drained soil, as excess water is their main enemy and promotes rhizome rot. When planting, a thorough watering is necessary, followed by 2 to 3 waterings until the plants recover. Thereafter, irrigation is generally only required during periods of prolonged drought, with occasional watering in summer often being sufficient.
When it comes to fertilization, irises require a balanced, low-nitrogen supply to avoid promoting foliage at the expense of flowering. NPK formulas such as 6-8-12, 7-5-12, or 4-6-10 are recommended. When planting, incorporate approximately 100 g/m² of complete organo-mineral fertilizer. For annual maintenance, an application of 75 g/m² in March, possibly split (half in March, half after flowering), is beneficial. Incorporating old manure or well-rotted compost 3 months before planting also improves soil structure.
Winter protection and technical mulching
Seasonal protection is recommended, especially in winter. A 5-7 cm layer of well-rotted compost , applied between mid-November and early December, protects the bulbs from extreme temperatures and maintains adequate moisture. Organic mulch (compost, pine bark, straw) regulates soil temperature, limits evaporation and reduces weed growth. For bulbous irises, a mineral mulch (gravel) may be preferable to prevent moisture-induced rot.
Routine maintenance and division of stumps
Iris care is relatively simple. Regular hand weeding is essential, especially during the growing season, as irises are sensitive to excess water and competition from weeds. Removing faded flowers is crucial to prevent the bulb from going to seed and exhausting itself; this operation is carried out just after the flowers have faded, in May-June .
Dividing rhizomes or bulbs is a key practice for maintaining vigor and abundant flowering. It should be done every 3 to 4 years , ideally in late summer ( July to late August ), when the plant is dormant. This helps prevent overcrowding and soil depletion.
Crop rotation and climate adaptations
For commercial iris cultivation, a 3- to 4-year crop rotation is recommended to promote better flowering, avoid overcrowding, and prevent soil depletion and disease. It is important to avoid crops that retain a lot of moisture or carry common iris pathogens.
In the face of prolonged drought, optimized irrigation with deep watering ( 15-20 cm ) and the use of drip systems are recommended. The application of a 5-7 cm layer of organic mulch and the incorporation of organic matter or water-retaining polymers ( 20-30 g/m² ) improves soil water retention. In very harsh winters, an additional layer of mulch ( 8-10 cm ) or a wintering fleece ( 30-40 g/m² ) can protect the bulbs when temperatures drop below -5°C . It is also wise to slightly increase the planting depth ( 6-7 cm ) and improve drainage by adding 20-30% coarse sand to the soil. Reducing nitrogen inputs in the fall and potassium fertilization in late summer strengthen cold resistance.
Vernalization and cultivation under cover
Irises require a period of vernalization (cold) to induce flowering. Bulbous irises require 10 to 14 weeks at 1°C to 5°C , while rhizomatous irises require 6 to 8 weeks at less than 7°C . Natural vernalization is achieved by planting in summer (rhizomatous) or autumn (bulbous), allowing the plants to establish before winter.
Growing in pots or under cover is perfectly possible, especially for dwarf bulb irises (Iris reticulata). A well-draining substrate (e.g., 70% potting soil, 30% sand/gravel ) is essential to prevent rot. Watering should be moderate, the substrate fresh but never soggy. The pots should be exposed to full sun ( min. 6 hours/day ) and division every 1 to 2 years is recommended to maintain vigor.
Botanical characteristics and taxonomy
For a comprehensive understanding of Iris, it is essential to know its botanical characteristics, its life cycle, and the specific aspects of its cultivation.
Scientific classification and nomenclature
The genus Iris belongs to the Iridaceae family and has about 310 recognized species according to Plants of the World Online, although other sources cite between 200 and 210 species. The full scientific classification of Iris is: Kingdom: Plantae, Clade: Angiosperms, Clade: Monocots, Order: Asparagales, Family: Iridaceae, Subfamily: Iridoideae, Tribe: Irideae, Genus: Iris L.. The type species is Iris germanica L .. The name "iris" comes from the Greek, meaning messenger of the gods and rainbow, in reference to the iridescent reflections of its petals.
Morphology and varietal typology
Irises are perennial plants that come in two main forms: rhizomatous plants (fleshy underground stems, such as the German Iris, Japanese Iris, and Siberian Iris) and bulbous plants (such as the Dutch Iris and the dwarf Iris). These hermaphroditic plants usually flower in spring, with terminal flowers grouped in cymes.
The foliage is characterized by long, narrow, erect, ensiform (sword-shaped) leaves , arranged alternately from the base. Their width varies from 2 to 5 cm and their length from 15 to 90 cm depending on the species. The texture is leathery, smooth, and slightly waxy, and the color is generally glaucous green to grayish green, with variegated cultivars existing. The persistence of the foliage varies: rhizomatous irises have evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, while bulbous irises have deciduous foliage that disappears after summer flowering.
Iris flowers are spectacular, composed of six lobes: three drooping outer sepals (the "falls") and three upright inner petals (the "standards") . They are radially symmetrical. The diameter of a bulbous iris flower varies from 6 to 12 cm , with flower stem heights ranging from 15 cm (Iris reticulata) to 70 cm (Iris hollandica) . The color palette is very wide, including blue, purple, yellow, and white, often with bicolor patterns. Some varieties are delicately scented. Typically, each stem bears 1 to 3 open flowers simultaneously , sometimes up to 5 on improved varieties.
Average height at maturity varies considerably: miniature irises are 8 to 15 cm , intermediates (such as Iris 'Apollo') about 55 cm , and large garden irises 90 to 120 cm . The general habit is upright (erect), with upright or slightly arching foliage, forming tight clumps.
Geographical origin and natural ecology
Irises are native to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their natural habitats are varied, including grasslands, deserts, mountain ranges, hillsides, and riverbanks. Iris pseudacorus , for example, thrives in plant communities associated with water, from sea level up to 330 m in Great Britain and even up to 1315 m in Utah. This species thrives in temperate climates, withstanding average temperatures of -2.8°C in January and 22.0°C in July with 1120 mm of annual rainfall .
Hardiness and longevity in cultivation
Irises are remarkably hardy plants. Most cultivated varieties, including Iris germanica , can withstand sub-zero temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C , corresponding to USDA zones 4 to 5, and can reach temperatures as low as -34°C in optimal conditions. This hardiness is enhanced by good soil drainage and a protective snow cover.
The iris is a perennial plant, and a well-maintained plant can live up to 20 years . This longevity makes it a sustainable investment for professionals. To maintain abundant flowering, regular division every 3 to 4 years is necessary. Some varieties of bearded iris are even repeat-flowering, offering a second flowering in summer or autumn, which prolongs commercial interest.
Propagation methods and yields
Rhizomatous irises (Iris barbus) are best propagated by rhizome division , a method that faithfully preserves varietal characteristics. Each piece of rhizome with at least one leaf starts develops rapidly, reconstituting a mature clump in 2 to 3 years . Bulbous irises are propagated by the production of lateral bulbils, which reach the size of the mother bulb and flower in 2 to 3 years . Sowing is mainly used for the creation of new varieties, with the first flowering occurring 3 to 5 years later.
In professional cultivation, one can expect a yield of 6 to 16 flower stems per square meter per year , with each adult rhizome producing on average 1 to 2 flower stems . For the perfume industry, approximately 500 kg of fresh rhizomes are needed to produce 1 kg of iris butter .
French cultivars of excellence
France is internationally renowned for its iris hybridizers (Cayeux, Laporte, Sazio). Notable cultivars include:
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'Mamy Framboise' (V. Fur / B. Laporte, 2004) : bright magenta tones, fast growth, floridity.
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'Rive Gauche Paris' (V. Sazio, 1993) : strong colors, slower growth but quality flowering.
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'Bouschet' (Laporte, 2006) : descendant of 'Rive Gauche', faster growth.
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'Blue Ribbon' (J. Cayeux, 1997) : intense blue, a reference for its color and floral quality.
These cultivars vary in height (from 40 cm for intermediate irises to 100 cm for large irises), in earliness of flowering and in repeat-flowering capacity.
Safety precautions and toxicity
It is important to note that Iris is a toxic plant for humans and pets. All parts, especially the rhizomes and bulbs, contain irritating compounds that can cause digestive problems if ingested. Contact with the sap or bulbs can also cause skin irritation, hence the importance of wearing gloves when handling. Although fatal cases are rare, the risks are real, especially for young children and sensitive animals. It is recommended that professional buyers be clearly informed of these risks.
Biodiversity and pollination
Irises are particularly attractive to pollinators such as honeybees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.) , certain butterflies and specific flies. The main period of attraction corresponds to flowering, mainly between April and June in France. Most irises are not self-fertile and require cross-pollination to produce viable seeds.
Phytosanitary and health risk management
Assessing iris health involves observing the bulbs and foliage. A healthy bulb is firm, free of soft spots, and has white, well-developed roots. Yellowing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies or water stress. Irises are susceptible to several diseases and pests:
Main fungal pathologies
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Sclerotinia (soft rot of rhizomes)
- Leaf spot
- Rust
Prevention involves crop rotation ( 3-4 years ), good drainage, and the elimination of affected parts.
Specific pests
- Rhizome borer
- Aphids
- Slugs and snails
Regular monitoring and encouragement of helpers are recommended.
Bacterial and viral problems
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Bacterial rot (foul odor)
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Iris mosaic (marbling)
Strict removal of diseased plants and the use of healthy material are essential, as there is no curative treatment. Plant spacing of 30 to 40 cm between plants is crucial to limit the spread of disease and promote good ventilation.
Harvesting and storage techniques
Harvesting iris bulbs is done when the foliage has completely yellowed, usually in early summer ( June-July ). The bulbs should be carefully pulled out, cleaned, and then dried in the shade in a ventilated place for 1 to 2 weeks . For storage before replanting (September-October), maintain a temperature of 18 to 22°C in a dry, ventilated environment, spreading the bulbs in a single layer, ideally on a bed of dry sand.
To summarize: Our Iris Bulbs
Choosing Floriverse means trusting a specialist wholesale supplier of Iris bulbs dedicated to flower professionals. Our iris bulbs are produced by recognized nurseries, with particular attention paid to vigor, varietal resistance and floral quality. Suitable for both cut flowers and landscaping, our Iris cover a wide spectrum of botanical species such as Iris germanica and Iris x hollandica . Thanks to our professional stock, it becomes easy to buy Iris bulbs for all your planting calendars, from June to October depending on the type. Our specialist wholesale supplier of Iris bulbs guarantees you complete traceability, optimal storage and technical data sheets on request. For your flowerbeds, containers or production beds, buying Iris bulbs from Floriverse means betting on a high-performance plantation and rewarding flowering. Professionals seeking performance know that a good start requires expert selection. We support florists every step of the way with personalized advice and dedicated customer service. In short, Floriverse is your preferred partner, a specialist wholesale supplier of Iris bulbs , allowing you to buy Iris bulbs at the best value for money on the market. Thanks to our producer prices and efficient logistics, you benefit from a reliable, regular and competitive supply.
