Iris 'Bicentennial Beau' — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Bicentennial Beau' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Bicentennial Beau' 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 'Bicentennial Beau' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family with deciduous leaves and a defined spring–early summer flowering season. It performs best in full sun on a neutral, loamy soil that drains freely and in a sheltered position. The plant is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in UK gardens when given the right siting. Flowering occurs from May to July, and it is suitable for cutting and use in borders, containers or courtyards.

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 'Bicentennial Beau' belongs to the Iridaceae and grows as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with leaves that die back after the season. As a cultivated iris, it is valued for its mid-season bloom and for fitting into close urban and informal planting schemes where a clear seasonal display is required. Plant it in a sunny spot on neutral, loamy soil that remains well drained; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Give the plant a sheltered aspect — south-, east- or west-facing positions are appropriate — so shoots and flowers are less exposed to prevailing winds. The cultivar is rated H6, which equates to very hardy for UK conditions, so established clumps tolerate winter cold when sited appropriately. Use Iris 'Bicentennial Beau' where a reliable May to July display is needed: city and courtyard gardens, cottage-style borders, patio containers and for summer cutting. Position it toward the front or middle of a border so its seasonal flowering can be appreciated, and consider pairing with late-spring perennials that extend the display after its bloom finishes. Flowering runs from May to July, making the stems practical for cutting at the height of late spring and early summer.

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 'Bicentennial Beau' 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