Overview
Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) 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 'Little Dandy' is a clump-forming iris with upright sword-shaped foliage. It flowers from May to July. Plant in full sun on neutral loam that is well drained, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Suited to borders, rock gardens and containers, it carries an H7 rating (fully hardy in UK gardens).
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 'Little Dandy' is a cultivated iris in the Iridaceae with a compact, clump-forming habit and distinctive sword-shaped leaves. As a garden cultivar it produces its flowering stems in the UK between May and July, making it a late-spring to mid-summer component for beds and edging schemes. Position the plant in full sun on a neutral loam that sheds excess moisture; avoid any place that holds water after rain. A south-facing aspect that is sheltered from prevailing winds will help flower stems stand upright and reduce wind scouring of the foliage. The H7 rating means it is fully hardy across UK conditions and can remain planted outdoors through winter without additional protection. Use Iris 'Little Dandy' at the front of a mixed border, tucked into crevices in a rock garden or grown in a container where drainage is assured. The clumping growth habit forms neat tufts of foliage that separate individual flower stems cleanly from neighbouring plants. Flower spikes appear from May to July and rise above the sword-shaped leaves.
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 'Little Dandy' (SDB) size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB)
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Good
- Disease resistance
- Good
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB)?
Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) need?
Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Little Dandy' (SDB) 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 'Little Dandy' (SDB)?
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)