About
A free-flowering perennial with tall, upright, strap-like grey-green leaves and erect stems bearing elegant, violet-pale pink flowers in early summer with yellow beards.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal 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 any moist but not waterlogged, neutral to slightly acidic soil in full sun. Plant in late summer or early autumn. In drier soils, dig in well-rotted manure before planting. See bearded iris cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back old flower stems after flowering and remove dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division of the rhizome shortly from mid-summer to early autumn. See dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases