Have you noticed the tall, elegant flowers with ruffled petals adorning neighborhood gardens? Irises turn heads with their bold colors and graceful form—but don’t let their beauty fool you into thinking these perennials are high-maintenance.

“It’s easy! They’re hard to kill,” reassured Sally Gray, 67, director of the Loomis Iris Memorial Test Garden, located at 5550 N. Union Blvd. next to the East Library.

Elmohr Iris Society (EIS) makes it even easier, offering guidance on everything from planting rhizomes to creating regal bouquets. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or trying your hand at gardening for the first time, this group of local growers is ready to help you dig in.

Founded in 1966, EIS is named after the majestic Elmohr iris—one of the largest irises, with a deep purple hue. It was registered in 1942 by Colorado Springs hybridizer Dr. Philip Loomis, for whom the society’s public test garden is also named. 

The garden showcases members’ work and is an eye-catching display for library patrons.

Many who join the society first discover it by walking past the blooms or attending one of the group’s events. 

Gray’s own introduction was a happy accident.

“I was taking advantage of the A/C in the mall when I saw the EIS was having a show,” she said. “I stopped by because my grandma grew irises, and one of the women there knew my grandma.” 

Irises are perfect for Colorado’s climate and beginning gardeners alike—resilient, rewarding and brilliantly colorful. While purple is the classic hue, they also bloom in blue, white, yellow, pink, orange and burgundy, including multicolored and patterned varieties.

The EIS meets monthly starting in March on the second Saturday, with a short winter break from December through February. Members gather to share knowledge, swap tips and weed the test garden together on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“We meet, we talk about irises and then we talk about dirt,” Gray said with a laugh. 

Of course, anyone who’s tried gardening in Colorado knows soil preparation is no joke.

The annual Iris Show, in late May or early June, is open to both members and nonmembers. 

It features two categories: The horticultural category, which judges plant quality, flower condition and bud count, and artistic, which showcases iris-themed creations in a range of media, including photography, paintings and even hand-painted silk scarves. 

In late July, the Annual Rhizome Sale draws gardeners looking for unique, show-stopping varieties. Hundreds of irises from members’ gardens and the test garden are available for purchase, along with a demo on planting and care.

Even if you missed the sale, there’s still time to plant—iris planting season runs through September in Colorado Springs.

For meeting information, contact ElmohrIrisSociety.org or call 719-244-4133. 

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