Iris 'Green Prophecy' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Green Prophecy' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Green Prophecy' (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 'Green Prophecy' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family grown for use in borders and as a cut flower. It has deciduous foliage and flowers in the UK from May to July. Plant in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely, and position where it will be sheltered from strong exposure. It tolerates UK conditions down to H6 (very hardy).

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 'Green Prophecy' sits in the Iridaceae as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial prized for flowering displays and cutting. It produces a succession of blooms through May to July, after which the foliage dies back for the winter. The plant's deciduous leaves provide structure during the growing season and then recede, making space for later border planting. Give Iris 'Green Prophecy' a sunny site on well-drained loam of neutral pH; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. A south-, east- or west-facing aspect suits it best and it performs where it has some shelter from prevailing winds. Planting depth and spacing should allow the clump to establish without crowding; note that the plant is rated H6, which is very hardy in UK terms and will tolerate typical winter conditions in most areas. Use this iris in traditional flower borders, courtyard and city gardens where space is limited, or in containers and on patios for seasonal display and cutting. It works equally well in informal or cottage-style schemes and is listed for cut flowers and bedding schemes. Expect reliable flowering between May and July when sited in full sun with well-drained soil.

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 'Green Prophecy' (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