Overview
Iris flavescens is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris flavescens 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 flavescens, known as the yellowish iris, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Iridaceae family. This upright cultivar features blue-green foliage and thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position. It prefers well-drained, sandy, neutral soil and dry conditions, making it suitable for border planting and as an architectural plant. The flowers, typical of the Iris genus, appear in spring and summer, supported by slender leaves and upright stems. Cultivation involves shallow planting of rhizomes with exposure to the sun, watering during dry spells while avoiding waterlogging.
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
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 flavescens 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 flavescens
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris flavescens?
Iris flavescens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris flavescens need?
Iris flavescens grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris flavescens hardy in the UK?
Iris flavescens 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 flavescens?
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)