Overview
Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Lion's Share' (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 'Lion's Share' is a herbaceous perennial bearded iris with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July. The cultivar favours a south-facing, sheltered site in full sun on dry, neutral, sandy soil and is fully hardy (H7) in the UK. Plant it where its vertical form can act as an architectural element 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 'Lion's Share' is a tall bearded iris cultivar with upright, sword-like leaves of a blue-green cast. Flowering runs from May to July, providing a mid-to-late spring display while the foliage keeps a clear vertical profile before and after bloom. Give it a sunny, south-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds. It performs on free-draining sandy soil with a neutral pH and prefers dry conditions rather than moisture-retentive ground; avoid waterlogged sites. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy across the UK, so no special winter protection is required in exposed gardens where the site meets its sun and drainage needs. Use Iris 'Lion's Share' at the back of a mixed border or as an architectural accent in more formal schemes where upright form is needed. Its blue-green leaves provide a clean structure that contrasts with lower, softer perennials and grasses. Position clumps so the vertical foliage and May–July flowers are visible from paths or seating areas, keeping the plant's strong silhouette as a clear design feature.
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 'Lion's Share' (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 'Lion's Share' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB)?
Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB) need?
Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Lion's Share' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Lion's Share' (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 'Lion's Share' (TB)?
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)