Iris 'Cameo Wine' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Cameo Wine' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Cameo Wine' (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 'Cameo Wine' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous leaves and performs best in full sun on neutral loam that is well drained. Position it in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot to reduce exposure. Its habit makes it suitable for beds, containers and for use as a cut flower source.

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 'Cameo Wine' is a cultivated selection of Iris within the Iridaceae grown for garden display; it forms permanent clumps and produces its flowering display between May and July. The foliage is deciduous, so leaf growth dies back after the season and the clump remains the structural element through winter. Plant where it receives full sun in a neutral loam that drains freely; avoid waterlogged positions. A sheltered situation is recommended, and the plant is suitable on south-, east- or west-facing aspects. Hardiness is rated H6 (very hardy), so it is reliable through most UK winters when sited correctly. Use Iris 'Cameo Wine' in flower borders and beds, city or courtyard settings, patio containers and cottage-style plots; it also performs as a cut flower. Group plantings will emphasise the clump-forming habit and extend the visual impact across the May–July flowering period. For city gardens and patios, choose a well-drained container and a sunny, sheltered spot so the clump can establish and provide stems for cutting when in bloom.

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 'Cameo Wine' (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