About
A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 80cm tall with narrow, grass-like mid green leaves and slightly ruffled white flowers, yellow at the bases with broad, flaring petals, borne on upright stems held above the foliage, in late spring or early summer.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
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
CultivationPlant in any good garden soil that is moist but well-drained (not waterlogged); improve dry soils by digging in well-rotted organic matter and apply as a mulch each spring
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to early autumn; for more advice, see dividing irises
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