Overview

Iris 'Blue Temptation' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Blue Temptation' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.

About

Iris 'Blue Temptation' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, valued for its blue-green foliage and strong architectural form. It flowers from May to July, providing seasonal focus on stems above the leaves. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered spot in full sun where sandy, neutral, free-draining soil keeps the root zone dry. Its upright habit suits structured positions such as the front of a border or as an architectural accent.

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 Temptation' is an upright herbaceous perennial with blue-green, sword-like leaves that give the clump a vertical, architectural look outside the flowering months. Flowering occurs from May to July on stems that rise cleanly above the foliage, making the display easy to read in a mixed border or paired plantings. The plant belongs to the Iridaceae and carries an upright habit suited to formal compositions or restrained, linear planting schemes. Choose a south-facing, sheltered site in full sun where the soil is sandy, neutral in pH and remains dry. Good drainage is essential; the combination of sandy texture and a sunny, protected aspect helps avoid winter wet around the crown. The cultivar is fully hardy (H7), so once established it tolerates typical UK winter conditions provided the crown is not waterlogged or exposed to prevailing cold winds. Use Iris 'Blue Temptation' in bold, architectural roles such as the front or middle of a perennial border, or as a vertical foil to lower, softer foliage. It is particularly effective where a clear, sunny aspect and sandy, dry ground can be guaranteed. The blue-green leaves continue to contribute a crisp vertical element after the May–July flowering period.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Dry

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Iris 'Blue Temptation' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Upright

Foliage

Blue-green

Suggested uses

Border planting, Architectural plant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Blue Temptation' (TB)

Propagation

Division, Seed

Pest resistance

Resistant

Disease resistance

Resistant

Frequently asked questions

More in the Iris genus

• 
  Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
• 
  Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
• 
  Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
• Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
• Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
• Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
• Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
• Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)