Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) (tall bearded iris 'Licorice Stick') — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) 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 'Licorice Stick' is a tall bearded iris cultivar grown as an herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. Best placed in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site in sandy, neutral soil kept on the dry side. It is fully hardy (H7) in the UK and suits structural positions in the border.

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 'Licorice Stick' is a tall bearded iris in the Iridaceae family, cultivated for its upright habit and distinctive blue-green leaves. As an herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season and reliably returns each year; flowering occurs from May to July. The plant's architecture makes it a clear structural presence in summer borders. For successful growth choose a freely draining, sandy soil with a neutral pH and keep conditions relatively dry. Sit the plant in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site so it receives the maximum warmth and protection recommended for this cultivar. Its UK hardiness rating is H7, which means it is fully hardy and generally tolerates winter conditions without the need for winter protection. Iris 'Licorice Stick' is suited to border planting where an upright form is wanted and also functions as an architectural plant to give vertical emphasis. Positioning against a sheltered, sunlit backdrop will enhance flowering through May to July and allow the blue-green foliage to remain tidy for the season. Leave the foliage until it yellows naturally to help the plant store energy for the following year.

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 'Licorice Stick' (TB) 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 'Licorice Stick' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB)?

Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) need?

Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Licorice Stick' (TB) 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 'Licorice Stick' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →