Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (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 Waltz' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, notable for its blue-green, sword-like foliage that provides strong vertical structure. It flowers from May to July. Best planted in full sun on sandy, neutral soil in a south-facing, sheltered position where conditions stay dry. Fully hardy (H7), it is suited to border planting and architectural roles.

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 cultivated Iris within the Iridaceae, Iris 'Champagne Waltz' presents an upright habit and blue-green foliage that reads as a structural element in the border. Flowering runs from May to July, so its floral season sits squarely in late spring into mid-summer while the foliage continues to define the plant's shape. Give it full sun on free-draining sandy ground with a neutral pH and allow soil to remain on the dry side; a south-facing, sheltered site reduces wind exposure and helps the plants hold their upright habit. The rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in the UK, so it will withstand typical winter conditions without the need for winter protection in exposed gardens that meet those siting requirements. Use Iris 'Champagne Waltz' where you want vertical presence — it performs well within a mixed herbaceous border or as an architectural accent. Position plants so the upright clumps can be seen against lower neighbours or hard landscaping; the blue-green leaves themselves contribute structure even when not in flower. For best effect, avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils that would compromise the dry, sandy conditions this cultivar prefers.

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 Waltz' (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 Waltz' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB)?

Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) need?

Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Champagne Waltz' (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 Waltz' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →