About
A vigorous herbaceous perennial with narrow, pale green foliage and stems to 90cm in height. The buds are almost black, opening up to three deep purple flowers with yellow centres around 18cm across from late spring to early summer.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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, Coastal, 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
CultivationGrow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; it thrives at the margins of ponds or streams
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases