Bearded Iris 'Mary Frances'

‘Mary Frances’ is a tall-bearded iris introduced by Larry Gaulter in 1971. Its ruffled, light blue-orchid flowers have white centers, white beards tipped yellow, and orange throats; its stalks reach about 38 inches (97 cm). ## In the garden Use this German iris as a spring focal point in a sunny perennial border or cutting garden. Tall flower stems rise above the clumping foliage, while the large blooms add a cool blue-violet note with crisp white and warm yellow-orange details. Bearded irises prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil, though they tolerate some shade. Plant rhizomes at soil level or cover them lightly, and do not mulch. ## Bloom and form The American Iris Society lists ‘Mary Frances’ as a midseason tall-bearded iris and records its 38-inch height. Its profile describes ruffled light blue-orchid flowers with white centers on the falls, white beards tipped yellow, and an orange throat. The [American Iris Society cultivar profile](https://wiki.irises.org/TbKthruO/TbMaryFrances) also records its 1979 American Dykes Medal. For broader group care, see the [NC State Extension bearded iris guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-x-germanica/), which recommends full sun, well-drained soil, and planting rhizomes at or near soil level. ## Maintenance Once established, bearded iris tolerates dry conditions but not swampy soil. Remove faded flower stalks, divide crowded clumps in mid- to late summer after flowering, and clear old foliage at season’s end. Remove roots or leaves affected by iris borer promptly.