Overview
Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (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 'Cherub's Smile' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers in the UK from May to July, providing a clear seasonal display. The plant suits sunny, south-facing spots and favours well-drained, sandy, neutral soil in a sheltered position.
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 'Cherub's Smile' belongs to the genus Iris and is grown as a herbaceous perennial for its upright form and distinctive blue-green leaves. It produces its main display from May to July, after which the foliage continues to provide vertical structure through the summer months. Plant in full sun on a south-facing aspect where drainage is good; sandy, neutral soils and dry conditions suit it best. Give a sheltered site to reduce winter wet around the crowns. The cultivar is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy across UK gardens and will tolerate normal winter conditions without special protection. Use Iris 'Cherub's Smile' where its architectural lines can be seen: place it in border planting to create vertical accents or as a solitary architectural plant within a sunny bed. Grouping several plants will reinforce its upright habit and blue-green leaf colour, while leaving clear space around the crown helps keep the soil dry and aerated after rain.
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 'Cherub's Smile' (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 'Cherub's Smile' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB)?
Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB) need?
Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Cherub's Smile' (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 'Cherub's Smile' (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)