Overview
Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) 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 'Champagne Frost' is a herbaceous perennial in the iris family with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. Plant it in full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soil in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Suited to border planting and as an architectural plant.
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 'Champagne Frost' belongs to the genus Iris (Iridaceae) and presents as an upright, herbaceous perennial with distinctive blue-green leaves. Flowering occurs from May to July, offering early-summer interest while its foliage provides vertical form through the season. Position in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site in sandy, neutral soil that stays on the dry side; this cultivar is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens. Good drainage is important — waterlogging is incompatible with its preference for dry soil — and a sheltered aspect reduces wind exposure that can stress upright shoots. Use Iris 'Champagne Frost' where structure is needed: it sits well at the front or middle of a mixed border and performs as an architectural element among lower perennials or gravel planting. The blue-green foliage remains in place after flowering and helps bridge the gap to later-season plants, so plan neighbours that fill in colour and texture after July.
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 'Champagne Frost' (TB) 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 'Champagne Frost' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB)?
Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) need?
Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Champagne Frost' (TB) 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 'Champagne Frost' (TB)?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)