About
A clump-forming, upright perennial, to around 85cm high in flower, with narrowly sword-shaped, slightly grey-green leaves. Flowers have short, rich purple standards, and broad, pale purple falls with darker purple veining.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist, humus rich, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil. Will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun. Suitable for planting at the edges of ponds and streams, or in a border where the soil does not dry out
PruningRemove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and iris sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne virus diseases and grey moulds; see Iris diseases