Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) (Bukhara Iris) — Upright

Overview

Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) 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 bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' is a bulbous herbaceous perennial in the iris family, noted for blue‑green foliage and predominantly yellow-and-white flowers. The plant grows with an upright habit and suits a south‑facing, sheltered position in sandy, neutral, dry soil. Flowering takes place from May to July. Place it where its architectural stems can be seen against a clear backdrop.

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 bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' is a bulbous iris from temperate Asia that carries a succession of yellow and white blooms on upright stems and a clump of blue‑green leaves. The species originates from regions now within Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and brings a clear, vertical element to spring borders. Grow it in full sun on a south‑facing, sheltered site with very free‑draining, sandy soil of neutral pH; it prefers a dry summer soil. The plant is rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK, so it tolerates exposed winters, but the recommended exposure and aspect help prevent cold, damp conditions around the bulbs. Keep planting positions open to ensure the soil drains quickly after rain. Plants work well in a mixed border where their upright stems provide structure, or as an architectural accent in a gravel or rock garden. Clumps produce several flowers per stem that open from the top down, extending the visual interest through the May to July season, and the blue‑green leaves remain a distinctive backdrop to the blooms.

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 bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) 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 bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J)?

Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) need?

Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) hardy in the UK?

Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Iris bucharica 'Baldschuan Yellow' (J)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →