Bearded Iris 'Java Blue'

Java Blue is sold as a tall bearded iris under the name Iris germanica ‘Java Blue’; [Spring Hill Nursery’s Java Blue page](https://springhillnursery.com/products/java-blue-bearded-iris) identifies the exact selection. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A438637-1) treats Iris × germanica as an accepted rhizomatous hybrid in Iridaceae, while [NC State Extension’s German iris profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-x-germanica/) supplies general planting context. ## Flowers and growth Spring Hill lists blue flowers, mid-season flowering, a mature height of 31–33 inches, a spread of 12–24 inches, and USDA zones 4–9. It describes the flowers as indigo with a spicy scent, says stems can carry up to 10 buds, and describes growth as easy and fast once established. The product title describes the selection as reblooming; the page does not specify a separate rebloom season. The seller lists full sun, average watering, and well-drained soil, and advises avoiding overly wet locations. ## Placement Use Java Blue in a sunny perennial border or plant it in groups for a stronger display. Spring Hill recommends at least five hours of sun; in clay, leave the rhizome slightly exposed, while in sandy soil it may be covered by one or two inches. NC State describes German iris as rhizomatous and cautions against planting rhizomes too deeply. [Schreiner’s Bearded Iris planting guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/how-do-i-plant-bearded-iris) provides general guidance on sun, drainage, and rhizome placement. ## Maintenance Water during dry periods and avoid persistently wet sites. Spring Hill recommends cutting foliage back to six-inch fans in late fall and clearing debris. For established bearded iris generally, [Schreiner’s division guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-divide-and-transplant-bearded-iris) recommends dividing crowded clumps after bloom, commonly every three to five years. Local growing conditions affect timing and performance.