Iris 'Mary Randall' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Mary Randall' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Mary Randall' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Mary Randall' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and prefers full sun on neutral loam that drains freely. Plant in sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing positions where its neat clumps can be seen at close range. Rated H6, it will tolerate most UK winters.

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 'Mary Randall' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial from the iris family, valued for a prolonged flowering season from May to July. The plant carries deciduous leaves and establishes as a tidy perennial clump suited to visual placement at the front or middle of a border. Its seasonality makes it useful where a dependable late spring to early summer display is required. Position the plant in full sun on a neutral, loam soil that is well drained; avoid heavy waterlogged sites. A sheltered aspect — south-, east- or west-facing — helps protect the flowering stems and keeps blooms looking their best. With an H6 rating, Iris 'Mary Randall' is very hardy across most of the UK, though exposed, windy sites reduce flowering performance. Use this Iris in city courtyards, cottage or informal borders, patio containers and mixed flower beds; it also works well as a source of cut flowers. Flowers from May to July provide reliable stems for vases, and the deciduous foliage dies back after flowering, allowing the crown to regenerate for the following season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Mary Randall' (TB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds