Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (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 'Louisiana Lace' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July and favours a south-facing, sheltered position in full sun. Plant in dry, sandy, neutral soil with good drainage; it is fully hardy (H7) in the UK. Its upright form suits border planting and use as an architectural accent.

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

A member of the Iridaceae, Iris 'Louisiana Lace' is an herbaceous perennial that carries blue-green leaves on upright growth and produces its blooms from May to July. The combination of vertical habit and cool-toned foliage makes it an obvious choice where structure is needed in a planting scheme. Place it in full sun on a south-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds. It performs on dry, sandy, neutral soils; heavy or waterlogged ground will impede its health. As a fully hardy plant (H7), it withstands UK winters, but the requirement for dry, free-draining substrate is important to avoid rotting at the root level. Aim for a bed with good surface drainage and protection from prevailing exposure. Use Iris 'Louisiana Lace' in mixed or perennial borders where a tall, upright element is required, or as an architectural specimen at the front of a gravel bed or south-facing terrace. Its seasonal display is concentrated in late spring to mid-summer, so position it where the May to July flowering period can be appreciated against lower-growing neighbours when the blue-green leaves frame the blooms.

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 'Louisiana Lace' (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 'Louisiana Lace' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB)?

Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB) need?

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

Is Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Louisiana Lace' (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 'Louisiana Lace' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →