Overview
Iris 'Ellen Alexander' is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Ellen Alexander' 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 'Ellen Alexander' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. This cultivar thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring sandy, neutral, and dry soils. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is best grown in well-drained, fertile soil with shallowly planted rhizomes to avoid waterlogging. Flowering in spring and summer, it is suitable for border planting and as an architectural plant, showcasing the characteristic Iris flowers with their distinctive falls and standards.
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
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 'Ellen Alexander' 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 'Ellen Alexander'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Ellen Alexander'?
Iris 'Ellen Alexander' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Ellen Alexander' need?
Iris 'Ellen Alexander' grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Ellen Alexander' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Ellen Alexander' 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 'Ellen Alexander'?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)