About
Iris hoogiana, the aril iris, is a rhizomatous perennial with erect, mid-green foliage to 50 cm and mid-blue, fragrant flowers in late spring or early summer. A beautiful and choice aril iris for a sunny, very well-drained, sheltered position or raised bed.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden
Native toTadzhikistan, Uzbekistan
FragranceFlower
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
CultivationIt can be difficult to grow in a garden situation as it comes from areas with dry, cold winters, dry summers and wet spring. Though hardy, wet winters encourage growth that is prone to cold damage. Outdoors grow in very well-drained soil in full sun. Best grown in a bulb frame in containers using gritty, free-draining compost, keep dry during the summer
PruningRemove withered foliage
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus infection and leafspot