Iris 'Leda's Lover' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Leda's Lover' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Leda's Lover' (TB) 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 'Leda's Lover' is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that produces flowering stems from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and the structure of a tall-bearded iris, making a distinct seasonal presence in the border. Plant where it will receive full sun in a neutral, well-drained loam and give it a sheltered situation. Suitable for cutting as well as planting in beds, containers and courtyard settings.

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

In the garden

Iris 'Leda's Lover' sits within the Iridaceae as a herbaceous, clump-forming tall-bearded iris with deciduous leaves and a clear flowering season from May to July. It dies back once the season ends, leaving a neat clump to be left undisturbed over winter. The cultivar habit suits formal and informal plantings where a spring–early summer display is required. For best performance place Iris 'Leda's Lover' in a full sun position on a neutral, loam-based soil that drains freely; avoid waterlogged hollows. A sheltered aspect to the south, east or west reduces wind stress on the flowering stems and helps protect the crowns. It is rated H6 (very hardy) so it will tolerate typical UK winter conditions when sited correctly. Its clump-forming habit and flowering timing make it useful at the front or middle of a mixed border, in cottage and informal plots, in city courtyards and on patios in containers. It also works as a reliable cut flower, bringing May–July blooms indoors. Repeat flowering is not expected outside the stated season, so plan companion plants to extend interest before and after the iris has faded.

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 'Leda's Lover' (TB) 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