Zydeco Louisiana Iris Garden
 
New Basin Canal
Nottoway
Early On
Louisiana iris 'River Road'
Velvet Memory
 Acadian
 
The Louisiana Iris
 
 

Louisiana Irises are increasingly recognized as native plants exceedingly well adapted to garden culture.  They also make fine water garden plants and love aquatic or bog conditions.  While sometimes referred to as water irises, their only real requirement is to stay damp and not dry out.  

Louisiana iris cultivars grow well in virtually the entire country, and the color range is the widest of all the iris groups.  Hybrid Louisiana irises are derived from five North American iris species:   I. brevicaulis, giganticaerulea, fulva, nelsonii, and hexagona.

Zydeco Louisiana Iris Garden offers the hybrid introductions of Patrick O'Connor of Metairie, Louisiana, who specializes in good garden irises and pond plants.  The introductions of other hybridizers are available as well.

What You'll Find On This Site.  The site was designed as a hub for information on Louisiana irises.  In addition to the Catalog of Zydeco Louisiana Iris Garden, you will find a wide range of resources and information on "Louisianas," as these irises are called:  

  
 
  Jeri   Inspiration   These pages present an extensive compilation of articles, pictures, and references on Louisiana irises, with an emphasis on their beauty and usefulness in the landscape.    
    Growing Tips and Culture   These pages discuss both recommended growing practices and propagation techniques in different regions and under varying conditions.  There are links to relevant information on other web sites.    
  I. fulva   Louisiana Iris Species   The species pages are devoted to the five native species that comprise the foundation of the modern Louisiana iris hybrids.  There are numerous pictures, including many of the irises in the their natural habitats.  
  SLI   Organization   The Organization page offers a link to the Society for Louisiana Irises, an outstanding organization that is highly recommended as an ongoing source of information, particularly through it's quarterly magazine Fleur de Lis.    
 
Zydeco Louisiana Iris Garden is an outgrowth of a thirty year interest in growing and hybridizing Louisiana irises. Take your time, browse the site, and feel free to email for help, to ask questions or to make suggestions.
 
Patrick O'Connor
Metairie, Louisiana