It is very hardy and it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

[8] Generally, it grows up to 45 cm (18 in) high,[4][9][2] The branched flowering stems can be as tall as the leaves.

[2][8][5] The falls are obovate-oblong shaped and nearly 2 cm wide, yellow with purple or chestnut brown veins, which are darker closer to the apex.

[17] Between 1800 and 1850, several Iris breeders (including Lémon, Jacques and Salter), started breeding border irises for the garden.

[2] Hundreds of hybrids exist representing every colour from jet black to sparkling whites.

Many modern garden bearded irises are crosses of 'Iris germanica' and Iris variegata.

[14] Iris variegata is found in the Pannonian (ancient Roman province) region of central Europe.

[20] It prefers to grow in open stony areas[9] and amongst scrub and light woodland,[8] and also on the sunny slopes of the steppes and beside forest margins.

[11] It is best cultivated in well-drained fertile soils, but is tolerant of partial shade.

The rhizomes are placed on the surface of the soil facing towards the sun and with at least 45 cm of open ground in front of them – this allows two years growth and flowering.

The plant is held in place by removing half the leaf mass to reduce wind rock and by using the old roots as anchors in the soil.