Overview
Iris germanica 'Immortality' is a perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Iris germanica 'Immortality' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers.
About
Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris or the German bearded iris. It is of hybrid origin.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris × germanica
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, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris germanica 'Immortality' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers
- Fragrance
- Lightly fragrant
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris germanica 'Immortality'
- Cultivation
- Plant rhizomes in late summer to early fall, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks and trim back foliage in late fall to early winter to tidy the plant and reduce disease risk.
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in late summer or early fall.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iris germanica 'Immortality'?
Plant rhizomes in late summer to early fall, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot.
Where is the best place to plant Iris germanica 'Immortality'?
Iris germanica 'Immortality' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Iris germanica 'Immortality' need?
Iris germanica 'Immortality' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Iris germanica 'Immortality'?
Remove spent flower stalks and trim back foliage in late fall to early winter to tidy the plant and reduce disease risk.
How big does Iris germanica 'Immortality' grow?
Iris germanica 'Immortality' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Iris germanica 'Immortality' hardy in the UK?
Iris germanica 'Immortality' 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 germanica 'Immortality'?
Division of rhizomes in late summer or early fall.
Is Iris germanica 'Immortality' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
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)