The Giardino dell’Iris, or Iris Garden, is located close to Piazzale Michelangelo and was founded in 1954 to host “Premio Firenze”, the first International Contest for the best varieties of Iris, promoted by Flaminia Specht and Nita Stross Radicati, members of the Italian Society Friends of the Flowers.
The infinite colors of the Iris
The Iris Garden takes its name from these beautiful flowers, that flower between April and May and are also the symbol of the city of Florence. From its foundation the iris collection was enriched by several donations from Italian and international growers, as well as a large collection of historic iris from Presby Memorial Garden ini Montclair (New Jersey, USA).
In 1967 the garden was enriched with a small pond to cultivate special iris from Japan and Louisiana. Its unique collection makes the Iris Garden unique and a must-to-see place, for botanists, growers, scientists and tourists of course from all over the world.
Every year there is the International contents for Iris growers, that should create a red iris; the new iris should be as red as the Florence symbol!
How to visit the Iris Garden
The garden is about 2.5 acres and is divided by streets and stairs in local pietra serena. The iris are surrounded by olive trees and can enjoy the breathtaking view over Florence.
The Iris Garden is open for free every day from April 25th to May 20 from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 9pm. For more information visit the official site.
Cover Photo credits – Società Italiana dell’Iris
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post about the very lovely Giardino dell’Iris. The views from Piazzale Michelangelo are also lovely to take in.