Overview
Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Alpine Lake' (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 'Alpine Lake' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with deciduous foliage and a defined flowering season from May to July. It prefers full sun in a well-drained neutral loam and suits sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spots. Rated H6 (very hardy) for UK conditions, it is used in borders, containers and as a source of cut flowers. The plant's habit and seasonality make it straightforward to place alongside cottage-style or formal planting schemes.
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 'Alpine Lake' (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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)
- 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 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)?
Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) need?
Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB) 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 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)?
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)