About
A perennial bulb, to around 60cm high in flower, with upright, narrow, incurved grey-green leaves. Flowers are large, and pale violet blue flecked with purple, and have broad, rounded falls with a white throat marked with a narrow yellow stripe.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, 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 but well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil, preferably in a sunny spot where the soil does not dry out. See bulb iris cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases