Iris 'Double Bubble' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Double Bubble' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Double Bubble' (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 'Double Bubble' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family (Iridaceae) that produces a spell of blooms from May to July. It carries deciduous, upright leaves and is grown for summer flowering. Plant in full sun on a neutral, loam-based, well-drained soil in a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing position. Suitable uses include city and courtyard planting, cottage-style borders, patio containers and cut flowers.

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

A member of the Iridaceae, Iris 'Double Bubble' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage and a defined flowering season from May to July. It is cultivated for its seasonal floral display and performs best where it receives strong light through the early summer months. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with loam soil of neutral reaction and good drainage; waterlogging should be avoided. The plant is rated H6 in the UK hardiness scale (very hardy), so it will tolerate typical winter conditions without additional winter protection when sited in a suitable spot. A south-, east- or west-facing aspect helps ensure plenty of light while a sheltered exposure reduces damage from strong winds. Iris 'Double Bubble' fits well into mixed flower borders and beds, works in courtyard or city gardens where space is limited, and is equally at home in large patio containers. Its deciduous leaves mean the clump will die back after the season, so position it where summer flowering is the priority. Flowers are appropriate for cutting and bringing into the house during their May to July season.

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 'Double Bubble' (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