Iris 'Indian Hills' (TB) (tall bearded iris 'Indian Hills') — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Indian Hills' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Indian Hills' (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 'Indian Hills' is a tall bearded iris (a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae) that forms clumps of deciduous foliage and sends up flower stems in May to July. It prefers a sunny, sheltered site in neutral loam that drains freely. The plant is classed H6 for UK hardiness, suitable where winters can be severe. Use it where height and late-spring colour are needed in borders or for cutting.

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 'Indian Hills' sits within the iris family (Iridaceae) and grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves. Flowering occurs from May to July, when its tall stems carry the bearded blooms that distinguish this group of irises. The combination of upright stems and clump habit gives clear seasonal structure to late spring borders. Place Iris 'Indian Hills' in full sun on a loam-based, neutral soil that is well-drained; the plant prefers a sheltered aspect and performs best on south-, east- or west-facing sites. Its H6 hardiness rating (very hardy) means it tolerates typical UK winters where soil remains reasonably free-draining; avoid waterlogged positions. As an herbaceous perennial, foliage dies back after the season and the clump persists for subsequent years. This iris suits city and courtyard plots, cottage and informal gardens, patio containers and classic flower borders, and it also makes a dependable source of cut flowers. With its tall habit, place it towards the back of mixed borders or where stems can be shown off in arrangements from May to July.

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 'Indian Hills' (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