Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) 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 'Cranberry Crush' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with blue-green foliage and a defined flowering season from May to July. It prefers full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soils and suits a south-facing, sheltered position. Rated H7, it will withstand UK winters without winter protection and is suited to border planting 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

Iris 'Cranberry Crush' belongs to the Iridaceae and is grown as an upright herbaceous perennial with blue‑green leaves and a flowering season that runs from May to July. It is used where strong vertical form and clear seasonal flowering are needed, typically in borders or planted as an architectural accent. Place Iris 'Cranberry Crush' in a sunny, south‑facing spot that receives reliable light; it favours sandy, neutral soil that remains dry rather than waterlogged. A sheltered aspect will protect flower stems and the foliage from cold winds and give the plant the drier conditions it prefers. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK and does not normally require winter protection. Plant it where its upright habit can provide structure — mixed into a perennial border or as a repeated feature to give rhythm along a front or middle line. Allow soil to drain freely and avoid heavy, moisture-retentive sites; in suitable sandy, well‑drained places the plant will reliably flower between May and July and contribute architectural form with its leaves outside the flowering window.

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 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) 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 'Cranberry Crush' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB)?

Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) need?

Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Cranberry Crush' (TB) 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 'Cranberry Crush' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →