Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'American Sweetheart' (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 'American Sweetheart' is an herbaceous perennial in the iris family with an upright habit and blue-green foliage, used as an architectural border plant. It flowers from May to July. Position it in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site with dry, sandy, neutral soil. The blue-green leaves provide vertical structure both before and after bloom.

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 'American Sweetheart' is a cultivated selection within the genus Iris (Iridaceae), grown for its upright habit and architectural presence in the border. As an herbaceous perennial it dies back in winter and re-emerges the following season, offering a period of bloom from May to July. Plant into a south-facing position in full sun where the soil is sandy, neutral and drains freely; the cultivar tolerates dry conditions and prefers a sheltered aspect to reduce wind exposure. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7), so it will survive typical winter conditions without special protection, though a sheltered microclimate helps maintain foliar condition. Use this iris in mixed borders where vertical form is needed or where individual plants can be given room to show their architectural lines. Grouping three or more will increase impact at flowering time and the blue-green leaves remain a structural element once blooms have faded. The combination of a dry, sandy substrate and a sunny, south-facing site is central to getting the best season of growth and a reliable May–July display.

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 'American Sweetheart' (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 'American Sweetheart' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB)?

Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) need?

Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'American Sweetheart' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'American Sweetheart' (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 'American Sweetheart' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

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