Not everyone knows that the famous Lily of Florence is actually an iris (to be precise, and not coincidentally, the iris florentina). And it is in Florence that the Iris Garden (Giardino dell’Iris,) is located, the only botanical garden in Europe dedicated to this beautiful flower from Mesopotamia, which has been documented in Tuscany since the Etruscans, who depicted it on their tombs.

This treasure, within walking distance of Piazzale Michelangelo and sharing its wonderful view of the city, can be visited for only one month per year during the flowering period (this year from April 25th to May 20th). It is a truly spectacular experience for both the eyes and nose.

The garden houses all the top varieties of tall bearded and border irises that were entered in the annual International Competition which was established in 1954, along with unusual, historic, or endangered varieties donated over time by agencies and collectors. As a result, we find the collection of American Dykes Medal winners, ancient irises from Montclair’s Presby Memorial Garden and Prague Botanical Garden, as well as rare species such as Mme Chéreau, an 1844 creation of Frenchman Jean-Nicolas Lémon, one of the oldest artificial hybrids. A total of about 9,000 different iris varieties are grown on a two-and-a-half acre hillside plot.

During the warm season, the Iris Garden hosts many cultural activities and events (music, performances, exhibitions, painting classes, lectures) as well as an engaging Hybridisation Course, through which people are taught how to create new iris varieties.

OPENING HOURS
Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission at 5:30 p.m.