Overview
Iris 'La Meije' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'La Meije' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.
About
Iris 'La Meije' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green leaves. It suits a south-facing, sheltered spot in full sun and prefers dry, sandy, neutral soil. Rated H7 (fully hardy) for UK conditions, it withstands winter cold without protection. Flowering occurs from May to July.
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 'La Meije' belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae) and presents as an upright herbaceous perennial with distinctive blue-green foliage. Plant selection should favour a south-facing, sheltered location where the clump will receive uninterrupted full sun; exposure and aspect influence foliage colour and flowering reliability. Soil should be sandy with a neutral pH and kept on the dry side — wet, heavy soils are not suitable. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy in UK gardens and does not require winter protection, but the sheltered siting helps prevent wind damage to the upright leaves and flowering stems. Positioning on a free-draining bank or in a raised bed will match its preference for dry conditions. Use Iris 'La Meije' as an architectural element in mixed borders or as a structural single specimen where its upright form and blue-green leaves can be appreciated. It works well where spring to early-summer flowers are needed to bridge late-spring herbaceous interest. Do not expect it to tolerate shaded or moisture-retentive sites, and note that its main flowering window is May to July.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'La Meije' (TB) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'La Meije' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'La Meije' (TB)?
Iris 'La Meije' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'La Meije' (TB) need?
Iris 'La Meije' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'La Meije' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'La Meije' (TB) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris 'La Meije' (TB)?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)