Overview
Iris 'Afghanistan' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Afghanistan' 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 'Afghanistan' is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its slender leaves and upright stems bearing distinctive flowers with three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standards. It thrives in well-drained, neutral loam soil under full sun, ideally in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, cut flowers, and flower borders. This cultivar flowers in spring and summer and is best propagated by division of rhizomes.
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.
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 'Afghanistan' 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Afghanistan'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Afghanistan'?
Iris 'Afghanistan' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Afghanistan' need?
Iris 'Afghanistan' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Afghanistan' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Afghanistan' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Iris 'Afghanistan'?
Division of rhizomes.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'After Dark' (TB)
- Iris 'Aachen Prince'
- Iris 'Aaron's Angel' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'About Town' (TB)
- Iris 'Absolute Joy' (SDB)
- Iris 'Acacia Rhumba' (La)
- Iris 'Acapulco Sunset' (TB)