Iris 'Jack o' Hearts' (SDB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Jack o' Hearts' (SDB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Jack o' Hearts' (SDB) 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 'Jack o' Hearts' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and suits a sheltered, sunlit position. It prefers neutral loam that is well drained and an aspect to the south, east or west.

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 'Jack o' Hearts' sits in the genus Iris (family Iridaceae) as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage. Its flowering season runs from May to July, placing its bloom period in late spring and early summer for UK gardens. Plant it where it receives full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; a sheltered situation is recommended and it performs best on south-, east- or west-facing aspects. Its UK hardiness rating is H6, which translates as very hardy for most locations in the UK when given the advised exposure. The plant fits a range of positions: city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, patios and containers, and as a source of cut flowers. Use it in flower borders and beds where a clump-forming perennial will provide a defined pocket of seasonal bloom. Flowering from May to July supplies a reliable run of blossoms for cutting and seasonal display.

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 'Jack o' Hearts' (SDB) 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