Overview
Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'God's Handiwork' (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 'God's Handiwork' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with blue-green foliage and a clear architectural presence. It flowers from May to July. Plant it in a sunny, south-facing spot with sandy, neutral soil and dry conditions. It is fully hardy in the UK.
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 'God's Handiwork' is a cultivated iris (Iridaceae) with an upright habit and blue-green leaves that give it a structural role in the border. The cultivar is used where a vertical, architectural element is required and is managed as a herbaceous perennial. Give this plant full sun in a sheltered, south-facing position and a sandy, neutral substrate that stays on the dry side; these conditions suit its preference for exposure and soil type. It is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy through UK winters when sited appropriately. A sheltered aspect helps protect the flowering stems while the plant is in bloom. Use Iris 'God's Handiwork' in mixed borders or as a singular architectural accent where upright form is needed. The blue-green foliage provides a steady backdrop and the flowering period from May to July supplies seasonal colour at a time when many borders fill out. Place it where the leaves can be seen against lower-growing plants so the foliage and the May–July flowers can be appreciated together.
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 'God's Handiwork' (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 'God's Handiwork' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB)?
Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB) need?
Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'God's Handiwork' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'God's Handiwork' (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 'God's Handiwork' (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)