Situated on the eastern slope of the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo, this theme garden hosts the cultivation of more than 1500 varieties of iris, the flower that has been the symbol of Florence since 1251. The varieties of Iris from all over the world are tended by the Italian Iris Society, owners of the garden. A pond serves to cultivate aquatic varieties (Japanese Irises and the Louisiana).

Since 1954, it has hosted the annual edition of the "International Iris Competition".