Iris 'Gold of Autumn' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Gold of Autumn' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Gold of Autumn' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Gold of Autumn' is a clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It favours a sunny site in well-drained neutral loam and benefits from a sheltered position. Rated H6 (very hardy), it will tolerate winter conditions across most UK gardens. Suitable uses include city courtyards, cottage borders, containers and cut-flower production.

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 'Gold of Autumn' belongs to the Iridaceae and grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage. It produces its bloom display between May and July and is grown where summer flowers are required for borders, containers or cutting. The name indicates a cultivar rather than a species; as with other cultivated irises, sit it where the flowering period can be relied upon for seasonal colour. Plant into a sunny, south-, east- or west-facing position on a neutral loam that drains freely. Give the site some shelter from strong gusts to protect the flowering stems; the cultivar is rated H6, meaning it is very hardy in most parts of the UK. Soil should be kept well drained rather than waterlogged, and containers should use a loam-based compost with good drainage. Its suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and cut flowers. In beds, place it where neighbouring perennials will not shade the crown through late spring and early summer. For containers, choose a sheltered spot that receives full sun so the plant can produce a concentrated display during its May to July flowering window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Gold of Autumn' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds