Iris 'Fiesta Time' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Fiesta Time' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Fiesta Time' (TB) 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 'Fiesta Time' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae grown for its seasonal display of blooms from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and prefers a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained loam of neutral pH. Suited to borders, containers and cut-flower use, it performs well in south-, east- or west-facing aspects. Rated H6, it tolerates typical UK winter conditions when planted in a protected spot.

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 'Fiesta Time' belongs to the iris family and is offered as a garden cultivar for summer flowering displays. The plant forms neat clumps of deciduous leaves and produces its flowering display between May and July, making it a reliable mid-to-high summer contributor where seasonal colour is required. Place Iris 'Fiesta Time' in full sun on well-drained loam with a neutral soil reaction; a sheltered siting reduces exposure to strong winds and supports flower stems. South-, east- or west-facing positions are all appropriate. The H6 hardiness rating corresponds to very hardy in UK terms, so it will survive most winters when given good drainage and a protected aspect. Its suggested uses include city and courtyard planting, cottage or informal borders, patio containers and cut flowers. In a mixed border allow space for a clump to develop so flower stems can be cut for vases without disturbing the crown. For containers use a free-draining loam-based compost and position where the flowering period from May to July will be readily visible for cutting or display.

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 'Fiesta Time' (TB) 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