About
Iris goniocarpa is a clump-forming perennial to around 30 cm with linear, grass-like leaves and small, mottled violet-blue flowers with tall standards and small, white, yellow-tipped beards in late spring and early summer. A charming and delicate iris for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Iris, the irises, are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials producing narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect standard petals. They flower from late winter to early summer in every colour of the rainbow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toHimalaya to C China
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a sunny position, in moist but well-drained, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil
PruningRemove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases