About
This rhizomatous perennial with lime green, strap shaped leaves to 70cm long. Produces tall flowering stems in late spring, each bearing 4-6 copper-coloured flowers to 7cm across.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in damp, humus-rich soil, or in up to 15cm of standing water. Ideal at the margins of ponds or streams, in bog gardens, or in spring-flooding areas that dry out over summer. Thrives in high summer temperatures
PruningRemove spent flowering stems and dead leaves as required
PropagationPropagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, see dividing iris for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, sawfly larvae and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases