Get the AppSell with Us

About

Iris 'Judy Mogil' is a tall bearded iris cultivar that flowers in the UK from May to July. It sits in the genus Iris and the Iridaceae family. Flowering stems rise above the foliage, giving distinct late-spring vertical accents in a border. Remove spent blooms after flowering to keep the clump tidy.

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 'Judy Mogil' is a cultivar within the Iris genus (family Iridaceae) and is classed among the tall bearded irises; it produces its main display in the UK from May to July. As a bearded type it presents upright flowering stems that stand clear of the leaves, making the bloom period easy to appreciate from paths or windows. Plant the rhizome level with the soil surface rather than deeply buried, and allow space around each clump for airflow; crowding encourages rot. Divide congested clumps every few years to rejuvenate flowering and to maintain good airflow through the crown. Water judiciously while establishing, and avoid prolonged waterlogging. Use Iris 'Judy Mogil' where its flowering spikes can be seen and enjoyed: at the front or middle of a perennial border, alongside late-spring bulbs for staggered interest, or planted so stems are visible from seating areas. After the blooms fade, cut the spent flower stalks back to the basal foliage to reduce seed production and direct the plant's energy back into the rootstock for the following season.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →
← Plant Directory