Iris 'Benton Rubeo' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Benton Rubeo' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Benton Rubeo' (TB) 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 'Benton Rubeo' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that forms clumps and dies back after the season. It favours full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered position. Flowering occurs from May to July, providing stems suitable for cutting. The foliage is deciduous and retreats as the flowers finish.

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 'Benton Rubeo' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family with deciduous leaves and a concentrated flowering season from May to July. It establishes as a neat clump, bringing mid-season vertical interest in borders and beds where summer blooms are needed. Place it in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam and protect it from prevailing winds by siting it in a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing spot. The plant is rated H6, which in plain terms means it is very hardy for UK gardens but prefers a location that reduces exposure to cold drying winds. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils and provide drainage that keeps the rhizomes clear of standing water. Iris 'Benton Rubeo' suits city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal planting, patios and containers, and the cut-flower trade; it also works well in mixed flower borders and beds when planted in groups. For cut flowers, select stems as the buds begin to open between May and July and place them straight into water to extend vase life; that mid-season window is when the variety performs best for arrangements.

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 'Benton Rubeo' (TB) 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