About
Iris bucharica, the Bokhara iris, is a vigorous bulbous iris to 40 cm tall with glossy, lance-shaped leaves bearing up to six creamy-yellow flowers in the leaf axils in spring, with deeper-yellow falls. An easy and reliable bulb for a sunny, well-drained border or raised bed where the bulbs can bake dry in summer.
About the genus
Iris, the irises, are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials producing narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect standard petals. They flower from late winter to early summer in every colour of the rainbow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toAfghanistan, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Take care not to damage the fleshy roots when transplanting
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Lift and separate bulbs in early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases