Iris 'Dogrose' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Dogrose' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Dogrose' (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

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, Iris 'Dogrose' has deciduous foliage and a defined flowering season from May to July. It prefers full sun in a neutral loam that drains well and benefits from a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing position. Suited to flower borders, patio containers and city courtyards, it is also grown for cut flowers. Rated H6, it is very hardy for UK conditions.

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 'Dogrose' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family grown for its seasonal display from May to July. The plant carries deciduous foliage and fits naturally into mixed flower borders and cottage-style plots, while its habit also suits containers and courtyard sites where space is limited. Position it where it receives full sun in a neutral loam that is well-drained; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. A sheltered aspect facing south, east or west will help protect blooms and foliage during spells of adverse weather. The H6 hardiness rating translates to very hardy in UK terms, so established plants tolerate winter cold when given the specified siting and soil conditions. Practical uses include cutting for indoor arrangements and planting in flower borders and beds where its seasonal rhythm (May to July) complements other late-spring and early-summer perennials. Its combination of a clump-forming habit, deciduous foliage and a reliable flowering window makes it a straightforward choice where those specific attributes are required. Expect flowers between May and July, providing material for cut bouquets as the season advances.

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 'Dogrose' (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