About
Iris graminea, the grass-leaved iris, is a compact, rhizomatous iris to 30�40 cm with vivid-green, narrow leaves and plum-scented, reddish-purple flowers to 8 cm across in late spring, the white falls strongly veined with violet and mostly hidden within the foliage. One of the most rewarding and sweetly scented of all small irises.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC & S Europe
FragranceFlower
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
CultivationGrow in well-drained neutral to slightly acid loam in full sun or part shade
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationDivide in spring or late summer. Propagate by seed as soon as it is ripe and overwinter in a coldframe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases