Iris 'Dakota Smoke' (TB) (tall bearded iris 'Dakota Smoke') — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Dakota Smoke' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Dakota Smoke' (TB) 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 'Dakota Smoke' is a tall bearded iris herbaceous perennial that forms clumps and flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous, upright foliage and benefits from a sheltered, sunny position. Plant it in neutral, well-drained loam to suit its needs. The flowering stems are suitable for cutting into summer arrangements.

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 'Dakota Smoke' is a tall bearded iris that grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves and a May to July flowering season. As a member of the Iridaceae and the Iris genus, it produces the upright stems typical of tall bearded types and performs best in an open, sunny situation. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing spot with loam-based soil of neutral pH and good drainage; avoid waterlogged hollows. It prefers full sun and a sheltered exposure to protect flowering stems from strong winds. In UK terms its H6 rating means it is very hardy and should withstand most winter conditions across the country when given the right site. Iris 'Dakota Smoke' fits well into city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and mixed flower beds. Plant in borders where the summer flowering period can be showcased, and consider placing containers where they receive direct sun for much of the day. The stems cut cleanly and are traditionally used as summer vase flowers, extending the plant's value beyond the border.

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 'Dakota Smoke' (TB) 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