Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (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 'Fresno Frolic' is a herbaceous perennial iris with an upright habit and blue-green foliage that gives structure through the season. It flowers from May to July, producing vertical interest at the height of summer. It favours full sun on sandy, neutral soil and tolerates dry conditions in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Use it where a bold, architectural accent is required in a mixed border.

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 'Fresno Frolic' belongs to the Iridaceae and grows as an upright, herbaceous perennial with distinctive blue-green leaves. Flowering runs from May to July, so it contributes strong vertical form as many shrubs finish and summer perennials begin. The cultivar habit and foliage make it appropriate where clear height and line are needed rather than ground cover. Sit it in full sun in sandy, neutral soil that stays reasonably dry; a south-facing, sheltered position suits it best. The H7 hardiness rating means it is fully hardy across the UK and will withstand exposed winters where drainage is good. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils as those conditions conflict with its preference for dry, free-draining substrates. It works well as an architectural plant at the back of a border or as a vertical foil to lower herbaceous perennials and gravel-bed planting. Combine with plants that tolerate the same dry, sunny aspect so foliage and flower timings complement rather than compete. The upright blue-green leaves retain their form into summer, giving the border a contained, structural quality even before the flowers open.

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 'Fresno Frolic' (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 'Fresno Frolic' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB)?

Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB) need?

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

Is Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Fresno Frolic' (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 'Fresno Frolic' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →