Overview
Iris 'Lady Hawke' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Lady Hawke' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Iris 'Lady Hawke' is a clump-forming Iris in the Iridaceae with upright flowering stems and sword-shaped foliage. It flowers May to July. It prefers full sun in neutral, well-drained loam on a south-facing, sheltered aspect and is rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK.
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
A clump-forming member of the Iridaceae, Iris 'Lady Hawke' carries the characteristic sword-shaped leaves that frame its flowering stems, which produce blooms from May to July. The foliage holds a vertical habit that remains visible beyond the flowering season, making the plant useful for structural planting as well as seasonal colour. Place Iris 'Lady Hawke' where it receives full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect and plant into a neutral, loamy soil that drains freely—poor drainage will inhibit its performance. It is H7 in hardiness, meaning it tolerates the coldest UK garden conditions when given a reasonably protected, sunny spot. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground and aim for a site that combines warmth and shelter to reduce stem damage in windy weather. Use Iris 'Lady Hawke' in perennial borders, rock gardens and suitably sized containers where its clump-forming habit and upright leaves can be appreciated. Allow breathing room between clumps so the sword-shaped foliage shows once flowering has finished; this arrangement keeps the architectural leaves from being obscured by neighbouring plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Lady Hawke' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Lady Hawke'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Good
- Disease resistance
- Good
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Lady Hawke'?
Iris 'Lady Hawke' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Lady Hawke' need?
Iris 'Lady Hawke' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Lady Hawke' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Lady Hawke' 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 'Lady Hawke'?
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)