Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (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 'Fatal Attraction' is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage; it flowers from May to July. It favours full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soils and is best placed in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Use it where a structural, upright plant is required in a border or architectural scheme. The foliage provides season-long colour contrast to neighbouring plants.

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 'Fatal Attraction' is a cultivated Iris in the Iridaceae, grown as a herbaceous perennial for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. Its flowering season runs from May to July, offering predictable late-spring to early-summer interest. The cultivar form means it is selected for garden performance rather than wild habits. Position plants in full sun on sandy, neutral soil that stays reasonably dry; poor drainage and prolonged wet at the roots should be avoided. A south-facing, sheltered site reduces wind exposure and helps flowers open well. With an H7 rating it is fully hardy across UK climates, so it will withstand winter conditions without routine protection. Iris 'Fatal Attraction' suits borders where strong vertical form and foliage colour are required, and functions as an architectural plant in restrained or gravelly plantings. Plant where its May–July blooms can be seen at close range and where the blue-green leaves will underpin later summer displays; a south-facing, sheltered border is an ideal location for this cultivar to show its qualities.

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 'Fatal Attraction' (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 'Fatal Attraction' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB)?

Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) need?

Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Fatal Attraction' (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 'Fatal Attraction' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

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