About
Iris aucheri, the Aucher-Eloy iris, is a bulbous herbaceous perennial to 30 cm with narrow, crowded leaves and two to three flowers 5�7 cm wide in pale or deep violet-blue or white, with a central yellow ridge on the falls. A charming and ornamental bulbous iris for a sunny, well-drained position or pot in a cool greenhouse.
About the genus
Iris are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials with narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect, often smaller, standard petals, in a vast range of colours and patterns. Among the most widely grown and beloved of all flowering plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSW Asia to Himalaya
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. When planting take care not to damage the fleshy roots. Or grow in a container under glass
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of bulb offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases