Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) — Clump-forming

Overview

Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Iris 'Dauntless' is a clump-forming iris with upright, sword-shaped foliage and a prolonged flowering run from May to July. It suits full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely and prefers a south-facing, sheltered site. Rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK, it tolerates winter cold without protection. Use it in borders, rock gardens or containers where its architectural leaves can show to best effect.

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 'Dauntless' is a clump-forming garden iris characterised by upright, sword-shaped leaves and a clear season of bloom from May to July. Its habit makes it straightforward to position where leaf structure is needed as much as the flowers; allow space for the clump to establish and carry its flowering stems above the foliage. Plant in a sunny, south-facing spot with protection from strong winds; a sheltered aspect helps the flower stems hold up through the season. A freely draining neutral loam suits Iris 'Dauntless' best—avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. In heavier ground, lift the soil or plant on a slight rise or in a raised container filled with loam-based mix to maintain the well-drained conditions it requires. Iris 'Dauntless' is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and will remain in place year to year. It performs well in mixed borders where the sword-shaped leaves give vertical contrast, in rock-garden pockets with good drainage, or in containers that can be placed on a sunny, sheltered patio. The upright foliage frames the flower stems through the May to July flowering period, making the leaf structure a useful seasonal feature as soon as growth begins.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Sword-shaped
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)

Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: Good
Disease resistance: Good

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What soil does Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) need?

Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Iris 'Dauntless' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Dauntless' (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 'Dauntless' (TB)?

Division, seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →