Overview

Iris germanica 'Sultan's Palace' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Iris germanica 'Sultan's Palace' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Mediterranean region.

About

Iris germanica 'Sultan's Palace' is a clump-forming bearded iris in the Iridaceae with upright, sword-shaped foliage. It prefers full sun on well-drained loam of neutral pH in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Flowering takes place from May to July. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers, and it is rated H7 for UK conditions.

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 germanica 'Sultan's Palace' sits within the Iridaceae as a clump-forming bearded iris with erect, sword-shaped leaves that give the plant architectural presence through the growing season. Its flowering window runs from May to July, providing a distinct late-spring display that rises from the foliage. Plant into a loam-based, well-drained soil of neutral pH and give the site full sun; a south-facing, sheltered aspect helps protect the clump from prevailing winds. The cultivar carries an H7 hardiness rating, which translates to fully hardy in the UK when established in an open, protected position. Avoid waterlogged conditions and choose a spot that offers good drainage. Use the plant at the back of a mixed border where the sword-shaped leaves form a backdrop, in a rock-garden pocket where drainage is assured, or in a container placed in a sunny, sheltered spot. Flowers appear from May to July and sit above the foliage, so position the clump where the bloom display can be seen at eye level and the leaf structure remains unobscured.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Iris germanica 'Sultan's Palace' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Sword-shaped

Height

1.0 m

Suggested uses

Borders, rock gardens, containers

Native to

Mediterranean region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris germanica 'Sultan's Palace'

Cultivation

Plant rhizomes in late summer, spacing 30-45 cm apart. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Remove dead foliage in autumn.

Pruning

Cut back flower stalks after blooming; remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions

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)