About
A rhizomatous perennial, to around 45cm high in flower, with fans of upright sword-shaped, grey-green leaves. Small, clear yellow flowers are borne on branching stems above the foliage, opening in succession from mid to late summer, and followed by papery seed pods containing clusters of shiny black seeds.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a sunny position, in moist but well-drained, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil. Will tolerate some dappled shade, though they flower best in full sun. Mulch in winter
PruningRemove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases