Iris 'Blue Seraph' (Sib) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Blue Seraph' (Sib) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Blue Seraph' (Sib) 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 'Blue Seraph' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that provides a concentrated display during its May to July flowering season. It dies back to deciduous foliage after the season. The plant prefers full sun in neutral, well-drained loam and performs best in sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing sites. Its hardiness rating is H6 (very hardy) for 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 'Blue Seraph' sits within the iris family as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial and produces its flowers between May and July. The foliage is deciduous and the plant's growth habit forms neat clumps that reappear each season. As a cultivated garden iris it is suited to sunny, sheltered positions where soils are neutral loam with good drainage. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing spot to maximise flowering; avoid exposed, windy sites where wind can damage the flower stems. Plant into well-drained loam and keep the soil neutral in reaction for best results. The H6 hardiness rating means it is very hardy in UK gardens, tolerating most winter conditions when given a free-draining site and some shelter. Iris 'Blue Seraph' fits well in flower borders and beds, city or courtyard gardens, cottage and informal schemes, and can be grown in containers on patios where drainage is assured. It is also suitable for cutting; flower stems provide fresh blooms for vases during the May–July season, extending the garden display indoors.

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 'Blue Seraph' (Sib) 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