Iris 'Blue Trill' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Blue Trill' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Blue Trill' (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 'Blue Trill' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with deciduous foliage. It produces upright flowering stems in late spring and early summer and flowers from May to July. The plant prefers full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely and benefits from a sheltered aspect. It suits borders, containers and courtyard planting and can be grown for cut flowers.

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 Trill' belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae) and grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with leaves that die back after the season. Flowering occurs from May to July, offering a period of focused colour and stem length suitable for cutting. Its compact clumping habit makes it straightforward to place in mixed borders or grouped in containers. Give Iris 'Blue Trill' a sunny spot in neutral loam that sheds excess water; the plant needs well-drained soil and performs best in a sheltered position with a south-, east- or west-facing aspect. The species is rated H6, which translates to very hardy under UK conditions, so it tolerates typical winter temperatures without special winter protection once established. Plant it where its spring-summer display can be appreciated: city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, patio containers and flower borders are all suitable uses. Regular division every few years will renew vigour and keep clumps tidy. The flowering span from May to July also makes it a practical choice for producing stems for the vase, combining garden interest with cut-flower use.

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 Trill' (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