Overview
Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (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 'Mambo Italiano' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It produces its display in late spring and early summer, flowering from May to July. The plant suits a sunny, south-facing site in dry, sandy, neutral soil and prefers a sheltered exposure.
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 'Mambo Italiano' is a cultivated iris within the Iridaceae, grown for its upright form and clear blue-green leaves. As a herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season but returns reliably where conditions suit its preference for sun and dryness. Flowering occurs between May and July, offering concentrated late-spring colour. Place Iris 'Mambo Italiano' in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site with free-draining sandy, neutral soil; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The plant is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy across the UK and will overwinter in open gardens without special protection where soil remains dry rather than waterlogged. Use this iris in mixed borders where its upright habit provides vertical structure, or as an architectural accent among gravel or Mediterranean-style planting that matches its dry, sandy requirement. The blue-green foliage itself contributes a linear backdrop to neighbouring perennials and shrubs, and the flowering window from May to July concentrates interest in late spring when the leaves are already in place.
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 'Mambo Italiano' (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 'Mambo Italiano' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB)?
Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB) need?
Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Mambo Italiano' (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 'Mambo Italiano' (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)