Overview

Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.

About

Iris 'Leah Traded' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. This plant thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position with sandy, neutral, and dry soil. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is best suited for border planting or as an architectural feature. The cultivar flowers in spring, with the genus typically producing blooms that have three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standards. Cultivation requires well-drained, fertile soil with rhizomes planted shallowly to avoid waterlogging.

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
Sandy
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Dry
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Upright
Foliage
Blue-green
Suggested uses
Border planting, Architectural plant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB)

Propagation
Division, Seed
Pest resistance
Resistant
Disease resistance
Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB)?

Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) need?

Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Leah Traded' (BB) 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 'Leah Traded' (BB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris