Overview
Iris 'Clouds Adrift' is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Clouds Adrift' 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 'Clouds Adrift' is an herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered spot in full sun on sandy, neutral soil kept dry. Its form suits borders and architectural uses.
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 member of the Iridaceae, Iris 'Clouds Adrift' is an upright herbaceous perennial noted for its blue-green foliage and a flowering period that runs from May to July. The plant performs best in open sun and favours sandy, neutral soil with dry conditions; choose a south-facing position where it will be sheltered from prevailing winds. With a UK hardiness rating of H7, it is fully hardy in typical British gardens and will withstand winter conditions without special protection. Positioning is important: give the plant a free-draining, neutral substrate in a sunny, south-facing border to suit its dry-soil preference. Shelter from strong cold winds preserves the upright leaf habit and the flower stems through the season. Use Iris 'Clouds Adrift' where a vertical, architectural accent is required — it responds well when used as a focused element in mixed borders or as a bold companion to lower, contrasting textures. For a coherent scheme, group several plants to emphasise the upright form and the blue-green leaf colour, and expect the main display to occur through May to July when flowering peaks in UK conditions.
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 'Clouds Adrift' 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 'Clouds Adrift'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Clouds Adrift'?
Iris 'Clouds Adrift' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Clouds Adrift' need?
Iris 'Clouds Adrift' grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Clouds Adrift' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Clouds Adrift' 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 'Clouds Adrift'?
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)