Overview
Iris 'Florida Orange' is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Florida Orange' 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 'Florida Orange' is a herbaceous perennial iris with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. It favours full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soil in a south-facing, sheltered spot and is typically used in borders or as an architectural plant.
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 'Florida Orange' is a named cultivar within the genus Iris (family Iridaceae), grown for its upright habit and architectural presence. As a herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season and re-emerges from the rhizome, and it is treated as a garden selection rather than a wild provenance. Plant in full sun on a free-draining, sandy, neutral soil; the cultivar prefers dry conditions and a south-facing position sheltered from prevailing winds. The UK hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy and will withstand winter conditions without routine winter protection where drainage is good. Give the site good exposure to sun and avoid heavy, waterlogged soils which can stress the roots. Use Iris 'Florida Orange' where its upright growth and blue-green foliage can provide structure: place it in the middle or rear of a sunny border, or as a vertical foil to lower perennials and grasses. It flowers reliably from May to July, so plan adjacent planting to complement the season and to reveal the foliage once flowering has finished.
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 'Florida Orange' 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 'Florida Orange'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Florida Orange'?
Iris 'Florida Orange' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Florida Orange' need?
Iris 'Florida Orange' grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Florida Orange' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Florida Orange' 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 'Florida Orange'?
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)