About
A rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, up to 80cm high in flower, with glaucous, sword-shaped blue-green leaves. The large flowers have soft pink standards flushed with pale brown, the falls pure white, edged with pale brown with dark purple veining, flowering in late May.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Architectural
ToxicityIngestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loam in full sun, with upper part of rhizomes exposed at soil level and not overshadowed, rotate every 5-6 years. See bearded iris cultivation
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn, every 3-4 years, see dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, iris thrip and iris sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to Iris diseases