Overview
Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' 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 laevigata, known as Japanese iris, rabbit-ear iris, or shallow-flowered iris, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Japan. It is related to other members of Iris subgenus Limniris, including other species of Japanese irises.
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
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 laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight'?
Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' need?
Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' hardy in the UK?
Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Iris laevigata 'Weymouth Midnight'?
Division of rhizomes.
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)