Iris 'Cradle Days' (MDB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Cradle Days' (MDB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Cradle Days' (MDB) 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 'Cradle Days' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous leaves and performs best in full sun on neutral loam that is well drained. Position on a south-, east- or west-facing site sheltered from cold exposure. Suitable for borders, containers and cut flowers.

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 genus Iris (family Iridaceae), Iris 'Cradle Days' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage and a defined flowering season from May to July. The plant's habit suits repeated grouping in beds or a single specimen in a container where its flowering stems can be appreciated. Plant on a site that receives full sun, using a loam-based soil with a neutral pH and good drainage; the cultivar prefers a sheltered aspect to protect shoots and flower stems from prevailing cold winds. In UK hardiness terms it is H6, which equates to very hardy across most gardens but benefits from a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing position. Iris 'Cradle Days' fits a range of situations: city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and as a source of cut flowers. Place it where flowering stems can be seen and cut if required, and allow the foliage to die back naturally after the season. The plant’s May to July flowering window provides a reliable run of stems for cutting and seasonal display.

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 'Cradle Days' (MDB) 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