Overview
Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (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 'Germaine Perthuis' is a tall bearded iris with an upright habit and blue-green foliage that provides clear architectural lines. It flowers from May to July, producing vertical stems that suit a formal border. Plant on a south-facing, sheltered spot in sandy, neutral soil kept on the dry side and in full sun.
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 'Germaine Perthuis' belongs to the Iridaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris. Its upright habit and blue‑green leaves give it an architectural profile through the growing season, while flowering runs from May to July. The variety is typically used where height and vertical structure are required rather than as ground cover. Choose a south-facing, sheltered position in full sun and a sandy, neutral soil that does not retain moisture. This iris prefers dry conditions, so avoid heavy or waterlogged ground; planting on a slight rise or in a free-draining bed helps keep roots dry. The hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy across the UK and will tolerate winter conditions without special protection. Use Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' as an architectural plant or in mixed borders where its upright stems can be seen against a plain backdrop. Positioning it towards the middle or rear of a border lets the May–July flowers show above lower perennials and grasses, making best use of its height and foliage colour.
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 'Germaine Perthuis' (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 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB)?
Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB) need?
Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Germaine Perthuis' (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 'Germaine Perthuis' (TB)?
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)