Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Ablaze' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and is intended for a sunny, well-drained site on neutral loam. The cultivar suits sheltered south-, east- or west-facing positions and is rated H6 for UK gardens. Use it where mid- to late-spring blooms are required for cutting or border interest.

About the genus

Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.

Written by Henry

In the garden

Iris 'Ablaze' is a named Iris cultivar (Iridaceae) valued for its spring to early-summer flowering, producing blooms between May and July. As a herbaceous perennial that forms deciduous clumps, it behaves like other garden irises in dying back after the season of bloom and re-emerging the following year. Plant on a neutral loam that drains well and place in full sun; south-, east- or west-facing sites are appropriate. Although given an H6 rating—very hardy across most of the UK—the cultivar prefers a sheltered spot, so choose a location protected from driving winter winds and late frosts which can bruise emerging shoots. Keep soil reasonably free-draining to avoid winter wet around the roots. Where to use Iris 'Ablaze' depends on its bloom season: it suits flower borders and beds for seasonal structure, works in city courtyards or patios in containers provided compost drains well, and can be grown specifically for cut flowers. The plant’s deciduous leaves die back after flowering, so plan companion planting or ground cover to conceal the clump through winter and early spring. Expect reliable flowering from May to July followed by the predictable die-back of the foliage.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds