Iris 'Blenheim Royal' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Blenheim Royal' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Blenheim Royal' (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 'Blenheim Royal' is a herbaceous perennial in the iris family that forms clumps and flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in a full-sun, sheltered position. Plant it into neutral loam that drains freely and avoid persistently wet ground. It is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in UK conditions.

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 'Blenheim Royal' is a clump-forming iris grown for its seasonal display, producing flowering stems through May to July while the foliage dies back later in the year. As a member of Iridaceae it behaves as a herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves, suited to sites that receive strong light during the growing season. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing spot in a sheltered part of the garden with well-drained neutral loam; this iris dislikes waterlogged soils. Full sun encourages the best flowering, and the H6 hardiness rating indicates the plant tolerates typical UK winters as a very hardy perennial. Containers and patios are acceptable provided the growing medium is a free-draining loam-based compost and the plant is positioned out of exposed winds. Its dimensions and exact flower colours are dependent on the cultivar, but Iris 'Blenheim Royal' fits readily into cottage borders, city courtyards and mixed beds where a seasonal spike of blooms is required. It also suits patio containers and is appropriate for cutting; stems produced between May and July can be used in floral 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 'Blenheim Royal' (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