Iris 'Burning Bright' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Burning Bright' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Burning Bright' (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 'Burning Bright' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in a sunny, sheltered position on well-drained neutral loam. Suited to south-, east- or west-facing aspects, it has an H6 rating (very hardy). Place it in borders, containers or grow 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

A named cultivar within the genus Iris, Iris 'Burning Bright' forms a clump of deciduous leaves and produces its flowering display from May to July. As a cultivated perennial it is grown for seasonal bloom and placed where the flowers can be shown to best effect. Give it full sun on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect and keep it sheltered from the coldest winds; it carries an H6 hardiness rating, so it is very hardy in most UK gardens. Plant into a well-drained neutral loam and avoid waterlogged sites. Good drainage and a sunny aspect are more important for reliable flowering than rich soil alone. Its uses include city and courtyard planting, cottage and informal borders, patio or container culture and cutting for vases. Because the flowering window runs from May to July it fits well into mid-spring to mid-summer mixed borders and provides stems for summer bouquets. Position plants where their seasonal blooms can be seen and cut, and they will contribute a decisive mid-season presence to beds and containers.

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 'Burning Bright' (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