Overview
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.
About
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' is a herbaceous perennial in the iris family with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered spot with sandy, neutral, dry soil and full sun. Fully hardy (H7) in the UK and suited to border or architectural planting.
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 'Aldo Ratti' belongs to the genus Iris in the family Iridaceae and presents an upright clump of blue-green leaves topped by spring and early-summer flowers from May to July. The foliage colour and upright habit give it a structural role in a mixed border or as an architectural accent. The plant suits gardeners looking for clear form rather than dense ground cover. Choose a south-facing, sheltered site in sandy, neutral soil that remains on the dry side; full sun is essential for reliable flowering. Drainage is important — the plant performs on soils that do not retain moisture. It is fully hardy (H7) in the UK, so plants can remain in the ground year-round when established. Position Iris 'Aldo Ratti' toward the front to mid-border where its upright habit and blue-green leaves will contrast with softer foliage; the suggested uses include formal border planting or as an architectural plant. Allow the clump to establish and take note of the May–July bloom period, after which the blue-green fans continue to provide upright structure within the bed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)?
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) need?
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)
- Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB)