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.
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
- 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)