Overview
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' is a clump-forming iris in the Iridaceae with sword-shaped leaves and a clear seasonal display. It flowers from May to July. Grow it in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a south-facing, sheltered spot. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
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 'Lillypilly Wine' is a named cultivar of Iris (Iridaceae) that forms recognisable clumps with upright, sword-shaped foliage. As a cultivar, it offers the predictable habit of bearded and iris-group plants while bringing the structural vertical leaves that sit neatly through the season. Flowering takes place from May to July. Plant where it receives full sun and where the aspect is south-facing and sheltered from prevailing winds. A neutral loam that drains freely is the recommended substrate; avoid positions that remain waterlogged. The plant’s H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK and will tolerate winter conditions common to the region without special winter protection. Use Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' at the front to middle of a mixed border, in a rock garden where a compact clump is appropriate, or in a container on a sunny, sheltered patio. Its upright leaves provide vertical contrast with lower-growing perennials and gravel plantings. Flowering occurs reliably between May and July, providing a defined seasonal window of interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Lillypilly Wine'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Good
- Disease resistance
- Good
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Lillypilly Wine'?
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' need?
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Lillypilly Wine' 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 'Lillypilly Wine'?
Division, seed.
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)