Iris 'Betty Simon' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Betty Simon' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Betty Simon' (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 'Betty Simon' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, noted for its flowering from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun. The cultivar prefers neutral, well-drained loam and a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing site. It is rated H6 and is therefore very hardy in UK gardens.

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 'Betty Simon' is a named cultivar of Iris in the Iridaceae and grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves. Flowering occurs from May to July, making it a reliable late spring to early summer presence where a season of blooms is needed. No origin details are assumed; treat it as a cultivated garden iris. Plant in a position that receives full sun in neutral, well-drained loam and avoid exposed, windy sites by choosing a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing aspect. The H6 rating means it is very hardy across much of the UK, so it will tolerate typical winter conditions for hardy perennials when sited appropriately. The plant's deciduous habit means the foliage dies back after the season. Iris 'Betty Simon' suits compact urban plots and courtyard containers, informal and cottage-style borders, patio displays and beds where cut flowers are valued. Use it where short-term summer flowering is required within a mixed border or in a dedicated iris bed. Its flowering window of May to July provides a dependable supply of stems for cutting during that period.

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 'Betty Simon' (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