Red Velvet Elvis Iris

Plant name: Red Velvet Elvis Iris

Scientific name: Iris germanica ‘Red Velvet Elvis’

Plant description:
Iris germanica ‘Red Velvet Elvis’ is a bearded iris cultivar grown for its saturated color and strong spring presence. This rhizomatous perennial forms upright fans of sword-shaped foliage and sends up sturdy bloom stalks that hold large flowers above the leaves. It is valued for its dramatic hue and reliable performance in sunny perennial borders.

Flower description:
Blooms are deep red to burgundy with a velvety finish and subtle tonal variation across the petals. The falls are accented by a contrasting beard that enhances the layered structure of the flower. Large, ruffled petals give each bloom a full appearance. Flowering typically occurs in mid to late spring, with multiple buds produced per stem.

Leaf description:
Leaves are upright, narrow, and sword-like with a smooth texture and medium green color. Foliage grows in fans from thick rhizomes and provides strong vertical structure before and after bloom.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate. Foliage may die back partially or fully in colder regions and regrow from the rhizome in spring.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 4–9.

Mature height and width:
Typically 30–36 inches tall in bloom and 18–24 inches wide per clump.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for perennial borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower arrangements. Its bold red blooms create contrast against lighter-toned perennials and ornamental grasses. Rhizomes gradually expand, allowing the plant to fill in garden spaces over time.

Native range:
Bearded iris hybrids trace their origins to European species; ‘Red Velvet Elvis’ is a cultivated ornamental selection.

Sun exposure:
Requires full sun for best flowering. Strong light encourages sturdy stems and vibrant bloom color.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering during active growth. Avoid overly wet conditions, especially around rhizomes, which can lead to rot.

Pests and problems:
May be susceptible to iris borers, aphids, and rhizome rot in poorly drained soil. Proper spacing and good airflow reduce disease pressure. Removing old foliage helps maintain plant health.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles heat well when soil drains properly. Cold hardy within its recommended zones, surviving winter dormancy through underground rhizomes.

Growing tips:
Plant rhizomes at or slightly above soil level to reduce the risk of rot. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and improve bloom production. Avoid heavy mulching directly over rhizomes. Position where the deep red blooms can provide strong seasonal color and vertical structure in the landscape.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.