About
In early spring, single flowers, 6-7cm across, are borne on short stems. 'Lady Beatrix Stanley' is a dwarf, bulbous iris, to 10cm tall, with narrow squared leaves, that are short at flowering but elongate later. Flowers are violet-blue with heavily-spotted falls marked with white and with a yellow central ridge.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationGrows best in well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil
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 slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases