Iris 'Fast Forward' (IB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Fast Forward' (IB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Fast Forward' (IB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Fast Forward' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun on neutral, loamy, well-drained soil in sheltered positions. Place on south-, east- or west-facing sites to get the best display. Suitable uses include borders, containers and cut flowers.

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 'Fast Forward' belongs to the Iridaceae and establishes as a steady, clump-forming herbaceous perennial. Flowering runs from May to July, producing upright stems that sit above the plant's deciduous leaves. The name signals a garden iris habit rather than a botanical origin; it suits locations where an early-summer iris spike is wanted. Plant in a sunny site on neutral loam that drains freely; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. A sheltered spot reduces exposure to strong winds and winter wet on the crown, and the plant is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in UK gardens. East-, south- or west-facing aspects are appropriate; containers on a protected patio also work provided the compost is free-draining and neutral in pH. Use Iris 'Fast Forward' in flower borders and beds, in cottage-style or courtyard planting and in containers where a seasonal vertical accent is required. It is suitable for cutting, so allow a run of stems to develop for vases. Expect reliable blooms between May and July and harvest stems as the first flowers open for best vase life.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Fast Forward' (IB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds