Overview
Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) 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 'Esther Fay' is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage that gives structure in the border. It flowers from May to July. It prefers full sun on dry, sandy, neutral soil in a south-facing, sheltered position. The cultivar is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
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 'Esther Fay' sits within the iris family Iridaceae as an herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and blue-green leaves that remain a clear architectural element through the growing season. Its flowering period runs from May to July, when its blooms appear above the foliage and provide mid-to-late spring interest. Give Iris 'Esther Fay' a sunny, south-facing, sheltered spot with sandy, neutral soil that stays dry; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Its H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK, so it can tolerate winter exposure provided the planting site remains sufficiently free-draining. A location protected from cold drying winds helps preserve the foliage and flower stalks through the season. Use this cultivar where a strong vertical line is required: at the front or middle of a herbaceous border, or as a single architectural specimen against hard landscaping. Plant it where its May–July flowers will sit clear of lower summer perennials so the blooms and the blue-green leaves can be read as a paired feature in the border.
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 'Esther Fay' (TB) 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 'Esther Fay' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB)?
Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) need?
Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Esther Fay' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Esther Fay' (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 'Esther Fay' (TB)?
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)