« previousnext »

The International Iris Competition, Florence. 52 years has passed since its start and thousands of irises from all over the world have been cultivated in the Iris Garden at Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence.

The Italian Iris Society was formed on 12th March 1959 for the main scope of managing the Iris Garden of Piazzale Michelangelo, which was inaugurated in 1957. It was conceived to host the First International Iris Competition, started by the Florence Council in 1954. Forty six competitions in which the most famous botanists have taken place up to now, with the record participation, for 2004, of 150 new varieties.

The rhizomes of each variety are sent to Florence by hybridizers throughout the world during the period June to September and they are cultivated at the Iris Garden of Piazzale Michelangelo for three years before being judged by an International Jury. The Competition is 'anonymous', that is, each plant entered is labelled with initials so that the Jury knows the name of the variety and of the hybridizer only after having finished judging.

The winner of the first prize receives a Gold Fiorin, the gift of the Florence Tourist Organisation, a reproduction of 80 gold fiorins by Pietro Leopoldo. A Special prize offered by the Florence Council is awarded to the red variety, which is most similar to the Iris depicted on the banner of the City. The Iris Garden, initially designed by the architect G. Zetti, was inaugurated in May 1957.

In 1967, a small lake was constructed in the lower area of the garden to allow cultivation of the Japanese and Louisiana irises in the surrounding boggy land.

Iris Garden - once an olive grove, this beguiling secret garden is situated on the east slope of the lofty Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city of Florence. Its magnificent hybrid iris collections grow around and among the ancient gnarled trees that still survive. Unlike classical Italian gardens which are studies in geometric shapes and shadows, the Iris Garden's landscaping is minimal and informal - however, it is one of Florence's most stunning jewels.

For more information visit

• Iris Firenze
• Gardens of Florence