Overview
Iris latifolia is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Iris latifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH.
About
Iris latifolia, the English iris, also known as I. xiphiodes and I. anglica, is a hardy flowering bulbous species of the Iris genus, in the family Iridaceae. It is native to the Pyrenees of Southwestern France and Northwestern Spain. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its purple flowers which appear in early Summer. Iris latifolia grows to a height of 50 cm (20 in). Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris latifolia
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Iris latifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris latifolia?
Iris latifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris latifolia need?
Iris latifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Iris latifolia grow?
Iris latifolia reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0-0.1 metre. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
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)