Iris 'Éclipse de Mai' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Éclipse de Mai' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Éclipse de Mai' (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 'Éclipse de Mai' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in a sunny, sheltered position on neutral loam with good drainage. The plant suits south-, east- or west-facing sites and withstands typical UK winters to an H6 rating (very hardy). Use it where spring-to-early-summer blooms are wanted in borders, containers or for cutting.

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 'Éclipse de Mai' sits within the Iridaceae as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial prized for its May to July display. The cultivar's deciduous leaves retreat after the season, leaving the clump to consolidate before the next year's growth. No wild-origin claims are made here; treat the plant simply as a seasonal flowering perennial for temperate gardens. Plant into a free-draining neutral loam in a position that receives full sun and is sheltered from strong winds; south-, east- or west-facing aspects are all suitable. Good drainage is essential, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The H6 hardiness rating indicates the cultivar is very hardy in the UK and will tolerate normal winter conditions when not waterlogged. Iris 'Éclipse de Mai' works well in flower borders and beds, city and courtyard plots, patio containers and in cottage or informal schemes. It is also recommended for cut flowers. Because the foliage dies back after flowering, allow the clump to rest undisturbed so it can build strength for the following season. For gardeners using containers, ensure the compost is a loam-based mix with reliable drainage and a sheltered spot to mirror in-ground conditions.

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 'Éclipse de Mai' (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