About
A vigorous, spreading, evergreen perennial forming large clumps of upright, bamboo-like stems and fans of around ten shiny green, sword-shaped leaves to 40cm long. Branched stems up to 1.2m tall bear up to 30 flat, white flowers marked with yellow and blue spots to 10cm across from late spring into early summer.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS China
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division. See dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases