Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7.

About

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It carries sword-shaped to grassy leaves, often with a glaucous bloom, and may be deciduous or evergreen. It prefers full sun on neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils in a south- or west-facing position. The plant is hardy across much of the UK (H5–H7).

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 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' belongs to the iris family and presents as an upright, clump-forming perennial that blooms from May to July. Leaves are sword-shaped to grassy and often show a glaucous (bluish) bloom; they may be deciduous or evergreen depending on cultivar and site. The flowering period offers a clear mid-season accent in the border. Give it full sun for best flowering, though a little dappled shade is tolerated by some irises. Soils range from loam and chalk to sand; the genus does well on neutral to slightly alkaline ground. Many iris types prefer sharply drained conditions, particularly bearded kinds, while Siberian and Japanese irises favour more moisture-retentive soil. Position on a south- or west-facing aspect helps maximise bloom, and the group covers hardiness H5–H7, meaning it withstands ordinary UK winters and will tolerate exposed situations. Use the upright habit where vertical leaves contribute structure: a sunny mixed border on free-draining soil, a gravel bed over chalky ground, or a sunlit bank. Flowers in May to July are followed by the persistent strap-like leaves that carry the plant through the rest of the year.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight'

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight'?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight'?

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' need?

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight'?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

Is Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris 'Monspur' 'Norton Sunlight'?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →