About
A rhizomatous perennial to 70cm tall, with narrow leaves heavily striped with creamy-white. Flowers to 10cm wide, purple-blue.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; thrives at the margins of ponds or streams. Tolerates some lime
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, plant immediately in flowering positions
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and iris sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases