Overview
Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) 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 'Amaranth Gem' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. This small bearded iris (SDB) thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered spot with sandy, well-drained, neutral soil. It flowers in spring, displaying the characteristic Iris blooms with three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standards. Suitable for border planting and as an architectural plant, it requires shallow planting of rhizomes and careful watering to avoid waterlogging, with propagation by division or seed.
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
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) 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 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB)?
Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) need?
Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB) 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 'Amaranth Gem' (SDB)?
Division, Seed.
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)