Overview
Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) 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 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites with sandy, neutral, and dry soil conditions. It typically flowers in spring, showcasing the genus's characteristic blooms with three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standards. Suitable for border planting and as an architectural plant, it requires well-drained, fertile soil and careful planting of rhizomes to avoid waterlogging. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and can be propagated by division or seed.
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 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) 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 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB)?
Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) need?
Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB) 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 'Frosted Velvet' (MTB)?
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)