Iris 'Échassier' (TB) — Clump-forming

Overview

Iris 'Échassier' (TB) is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Échassier' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Iris 'Échassier' is a clump-forming iris noted for its upright, sword-shaped foliage and a flowering season from May to July. It performs best in full sun on well-drained loam of neutral pH and prefers a south-facing, sheltered aspect. Rated H7, it is fully hardy in the UK and suits mixed borders, rock gardens and containers. The foliage provides vertical structure before and after the flowering period.

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 'Échassier' belongs to the genus Iris in the Iridaceae and establishes as a clump-forming plant with pronounced, sword-shaped leaves. Its main season of interest is the spring to early summer bloom from May to July, after which the erect foliage continues to define its place in the planting scheme. Plant in a position that receives full sun on a well-drained loam with a neutral pH; an open, south-facing and sheltered site will reduce wind damage to the flower stems and preserve the clean outline of the leaves. The cultivar is rated H7, which translates to fully hardy across the UK, so it tolerates winter exposure where drainage is adequate. For containers, choose a free-draining compost and a pot with good drainage to mimic a well-drained border. Use Iris 'Échassier' where vertical form is useful: its sword-shaped leaves provide a structural foil to lower perennials in borders, it can sit on a rock-garden edge to lend height, and it will also work in large patio pots that are placed in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Expect the main visual interest to come between May and July when the flowers appear above the foliage, after which the leaves remain an architectural element in the bed.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Iris 'Échassier' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Sword-shaped
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Échassier' (TB)

Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: Good
Disease resistance: Good

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What soil does Iris 'Échassier' (TB) need?

Iris 'Échassier' (TB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Iris 'Échassier' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Échassier' (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 'Échassier' (TB)?

Division, seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →