Overview
Iris lortetii is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. It typically grows around 0.3–0.5 metres tall. Iris lortetii 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 lortetii (also known as Lortet's iris or in Israel as the Samarian iris) is a species in the genus Iris. It has straight grey-green leaves, a 30–50 cm tall stem, and large showy flowers in late spring or mid-summer that come in shades of pink, from white, lilac, pale lavender and grey-purple. It is veined and dotted pink or maroon. It has a signal patch that is deep maroon and a sparse and brown, purple-brown or reddish beard. In the wild it grows across Lebanon-Syria and Palestine. Grow it in full sun and sandy soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for border planting and architectural plant. It tolerates neutral soils, dry conditions and south-facing aspects. Grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant rhizomes shallowly with the top exposed to the sun. Water during dry spells but avoid waterlogging.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris lortetii
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
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 lortetii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Height
- 0.3–0.5 metres
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris lortetii
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris lortetii?
Iris lortetii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris lortetii need?
Iris lortetii grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
How big does Iris lortetii grow?
Iris lortetii reaches a height of 0.3–0.5 metres.
Is Iris lortetii hardy in the UK?
Iris lortetii 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 lortetii?
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)