Overview
Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.
About
Iris 'Howdy Do' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. Like other irises, it produces flowers with three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standard petals, typically blooming in spring. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites with well-drained, sandy, neutral soil that remains dry. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for border planting and as an architectural plant. Cultivation involves shallow planting of rhizomes with the top exposed, avoiding waterlogging, and propagation can be done by division or seed.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB)?
Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) need?
Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris 'Howdy Do' (TB)?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)