Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' (TB) (tall bearded iris 'Hot Spiced Wine') — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' is a tall bearded iris cultivar that forms clumps of deciduous foliage and produces bearded blooms in early to mid-summer. It requires a sunny, sheltered site in neutral loam that drains well and favours south-, east- or west-facing positions. Rated H6, it tolerates typical UK winters. Its flowering period is May to July and it suits borders, containers and cut flower use.

About the genus

Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.

Written by Henry

In the garden

Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' sits in the Iridaceae as a named tall bearded iris and behaves as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial. The foliage is deciduous, dying back after the season, and the cultivar is grown for its mid-summer bearded flowers that appear from May to July. It is appropriate where a strong vertical accent is wanted in planting schemes and where summer blooms are required for cutting. Choose a full-sun position on a neutral loam that sheds excess water; the plant prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered aspect to protect the flower stems. South-, east- or west-facing exposures are suitable. In UK terms the plant is H6, very hardy, so it will survive normal winter conditions when given the recommended situation. Container culture is possible provided compost is free-draining and the position remains sunny and protected. Placement options include city courtyards, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and mixed flower beds; it also performs well when grown specifically for cutting. Flowers arrive from May to July, supplying stems for summer arrangements and short-term display in the border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Hot Spiced Wine' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds