Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (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 'Dorcas Lives Again' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with blue-green foliage that gives it an architectural silhouette in the border. It flowers from May to July. It favours full sun and a south-facing, sheltered position. Plant in dry, sandy, neutral soil where its upright habit can be shown 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 'Dorcas Lives Again' is a herbaceous perennial in the iris family with an upright habit and distinctive blue-green foliage that reads as a structural element in the border. It flowers from May to July, forming vertical fans of leaves that set off the flowering display. Hardiness is H7, which means it is fully hardy in UK conditions when siting and soil are appropriate. Give it a sunny, south-facing spot that is sheltered from strong winds. The plant prefers sandy, neutral soil that remains on the dry side; avoid waterlogged winters and heavy clay. A free-draining, neutral bed in full sun will encourage the best flowering and retain the crisp architectural form of the leaves. Use Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' where you need vertical rhythm: as a mid-border accent, to punctuate a gravel bed, or planted against a south-facing wall where shelter and warmth improve performance. It works particularly well in schemes that benefit from upright, architectural plants rather than low, spreading ground cover. Position the clump so the blue-green fans can be appreciated even when not in flower, and allow room for its upright form to be a clear sculptural element in the border.

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 'Dorcas Lives Again' (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 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB)?

Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) need?

Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Dorcas Lives Again' (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 'Dorcas Lives Again' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →