About
Iris histrioides is a compact, early-spring-flowering bulbous iris to around 15 cm with broadly sword-shaped, angled leaves and violet-blue flowers with white markings and a yellow ridge on the falls, produced alongside the new leaves in late winter or early spring. A beautiful and very early bulb for a sunny, very well-drained 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, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
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, Patio and container plants, Rock 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 well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil in sun or part shade. See bulb iris cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Lift and separate bulbs in early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, 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