Overview
Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Fashionably Late' (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 'Fashionably Late' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with a distinctly architectural habit and blue-green leaves. It flowers between May and July. The plant prefers a south-facing, sheltered situation in full sun. It suits dry, sandy, neutral soils and is fully hardy in the UK.
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 'Fashionably Late' sits within the Iris genus (family Iridaceae) as an upright herbaceous perennial valued for its architectural silhouette and blue-green foliage. Flowering takes place from May to July, during which the plant provides a vertical accent in the border. Position it in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site where soils are sandy, neutral in pH and remain on the dry side; these are the conditions specified for best performance. The UK hardiness rating H7 translates to fully hardy, so the plant is suited to outdoor cultivation across the UK without the need for winter protection where those soil and exposure conditions are met. Use Iris 'Fashionably Late' as a strong vertical element in mixed borders or wherever an architectural plant is required. Its upright habit and blue-green leaves give structure before and after flowering, making it useful for defining a sunny, south-facing planting scheme that favours free-draining, sandy soils.
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 'Fashionably Late' (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 'Fashionably Late' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB)?
Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB) need?
Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Fashionably Late' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Fashionably Late' (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 'Fashionably Late' (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)