Iris attica (Greek iris) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris attica is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris attica 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 attica is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and grows as compact clumps. Best grown in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot.

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 attica belongs to the genus Iris (family Iridaceae) and presents as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves and a defined flowering season from May to July. It is valued where a short, reliable flush of blooms is required in late spring to mid-summer. Plant where it receives full sun and good drainage; neutral loam suits it best and it prefers a sheltered position rather than exposed sites. In British terms it carries an H6 rating, which translates to very hardy and means it tolerates typical UK winter conditions when sited correctly. South-, east- or west-facing aspects suit its light requirements. Use Iris attica in city and courtyard gardens, cottage or informal borders, patio containers and beds; it also works for cut flowers. Keep planting positions free of waterlogging and choose soil that drains well to avoid winter moisture stress. Its defined May–July flowering window makes it useful for adding seasonal blooms to borders and containers and for supplying short-season stems for cutting.

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 attica 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