Iris 'Durham Dream' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Durham Dream' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Durham Dream' (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 'Durham Dream' is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It is suited to south-facing, sheltered locations and performs best in full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soil. The cultivar is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and provides seasonal impact from May to July. Use it where strong vertical form is required, such as the middle of a border or as an architectural element.

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 'Durham Dream' is a cultivated iris (Iridaceae) with an erect habit and notable blue-green leaves that give structure to the planting while the flowering stems emerge in late spring. It does best in open, sunny sites; place it in a south-facing, sheltered position where soil is sandy, neutral in pH and remains on the dry side. The plant's fully hardy rating (H7) means it will survive typical UK winters without special protection. Position the plant where its upright lines can be shown off — the centre of a mixed border or as an architectural vertical note against a low hedge or wall suits it well. Because it prefers dry, free-draining conditions, avoid heavy, water-retentive soils or low-lying spots where moisture collects. A sunny, sheltered site will help flower stems remain erect through windier weather. Expect flowering from May to July, after which the foliage continues to provide form in the border. Grouping several plants will reinforce the upright effect and give a clearer seasonal display when the flowers open in late spring and early summer.

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 'Durham Dream' (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 'Durham Dream' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What soil does Iris 'Durham Dream' (TB) need?

Iris 'Durham Dream' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Durham Dream' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Durham Dream' (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 'Durham Dream' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

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