Iris chrysographes (gold-marked iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris chrysographes is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. Iris chrysographes grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to Tibet to NE Myanmar.

About

Iris chrysographes is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Iridaceae, noted for very dark, velvety flowers often carrying narrow golden central stripes. It flowers from May to July and produces sword-shaped leaves that are often glaucous and may be deciduous or evergreen. Plants suit full sun, though some tolerate partial shade, and prefer neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. All parts are harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and protective equipment when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris chrysographes

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 chrysographes is native to highland areas from Tibet to north‑east Myanmar and forms tidy, upright clumps of sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are slightly scented and show their character between May and July, the darker petals set off by a narrow gold mark on the falls. Give this iris a sunny, south- or west-facing spot in neutral to slightly alkaline soil: loam, chalk or sand types are suitable provided drainage is good. Some irises need sharper drainage, so avoid waterlogged positions; exposure can be either sheltered or more exposed. In UK terms the species sits in the H5–H7 band, so plants are hardy to fully hardy and will tolerate a wide range of winters (USDA 3–9). Use Iris chrysographes where a low, upright clump is wanted in a sunny border or bed with free-draining soil. Leaves are often glaucous, which gives a cool, matt foliage tone beneath the dark flowers. Handle with care: all parts are harmful if eaten and gloves are recommended when dividing or transplanting. Expect scented, richly coloured blooms from May to July and watch the narrow golden stripe on the falls for identification.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris chrysographes size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Native to: Tibet to NE Myanmar
Fragrance: Flower
Toxicity: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris chrysographes

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris chrysographes?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris chrysographes?

Iris chrysographes prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris chrysographes need?

Iris chrysographes grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris chrysographes?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

Is Iris chrysographes hardy in the UK?

Iris chrysographes has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris chrysographes?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

Is Iris chrysographes toxic?

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →