Iris 'Kiss the Girl' (Sib) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Kiss the Girl' (Sib) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Kiss the Girl' (Sib) 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 'Kiss the Girl' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae and a Siberian-type cultivar. It flowers from May to July. The plant prefers full sun in a well-drained neutral loam and suits sheltered south-, east- or west-facing positions. Its deciduous foliage dies back after the season, making it straightforward to combine with mid-season perennials and containers.

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 'Kiss the Girl' belongs to the Siberian group of Irises and forms tidy clumps of herbaceous, deciduous growth. The cultivar shows its main interest in the flowering months of May to July, when stems rise from the clump and provide material suitable for cutting. The botanical placement is in the Iridaceae family. Plant in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; excessive wet at the roots should be avoided. A sheltered situation on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect reduces wind damage to flower stems. Hardiness is rated H6, meaning the plant is very hardy and will withstand normal UK winter conditions when given the recommended siting and soil. The clump-forming habit also adapts to containers provided the compost is free-draining. Practical uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, patios and containers, and as a source of cut flowers. Because the foliage is deciduous and recedes after flowering, place Iris 'Kiss the Girl' where the cleared crowns can be masked by taller or later-developing neighbours to keep the border looking continuous through late summer.

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 'Kiss the Girl' (Sib) 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