Iris 'Cleve Dodge' (Sib) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Cleve Dodge' (Sib) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Cleve Dodge' (Sib) 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 'Cleve Dodge' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and returns as a compact clump each season. Grow it in well-drained neutral loam in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing site with full sun. It is suited to borders, patios and cutting for the vase.

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 'Cleve Dodge' belongs to the iris family and presents as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that comes into flower between May and July. The plant dies back to deciduous foliage over winter and re-establishes its clump in spring; flower stems make it useful for cutting. No further origin details are required to place it among border irises that perform in temperate gardens. Plant in full sun on a well-drained neutral loam and choose a sheltered position facing south, east or west to reduce exposure to cold winds. The UK hardiness rating H6 means it is very hardy and will withstand typical UK winters when planted in suitable soil. Avoid waterlogged situations; good drainage is important for healthy crowns and reliable flowering. Use Iris 'Cleve Dodge' where short-season but showy flowering is wanted: group it in mixed flower borders, plant in containers on a sunny patio, or include it in city and courtyard schemes. It also works as a short, architectural element at the front of beds and offers useful stems for floristry. For best vase results, cut stems in May–July when buds begin to open.

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 'Cleve Dodge' (Sib) 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