About
A bulbous perennial, to 60cm tall, with erect, narrow leaves and up to 2 flowers on each stem in early summer. Flower standards are pale-purple to lavender and slightly ruffled, with a paler throat; falls are yellow with prominent purple veining and slightly ruffled margins.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 any good garden soil that is preferably moist but not waterlogged. In drier soils, dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting then apply as a mulch each spring. See bulb iris cultivation for more information
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division, separating bulb offsets from midsummer to early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, ink disease, rust diseases, bulb rot and viruses; see Iris diseases for more details