Iris (MTB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris (MTB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris (MTB) 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 is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that produces its flowering display from May to July. The leaves die back each year, leaving a clear seasonal rhythm in the border. It prefers full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing site. Suitable uses include borders, patios and cut flowers.

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 is a herbaceous perennial grown for its spring–early summer flowering and clump-forming habit. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in sites that receive plenty of sun; plant where it will get direct light for much of the day and where winter wet will not linger around the roots. Choose a neutral loam that drains freely; heavy or waterlogged ground will shorten the plant's active life. Position the clump in a sheltered spot on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect to reduce exposure to strong winds and to allow stems to remain upright through the flowering period. The plant is rated H6, which translates as very hardy across the UK, so it will tolerate typical winter conditions when sited correctly. Iris fits well in mixed flower borders, city courtyards and patio containers, and it is commonly grown for cut flowers because the blooms are produced in a defined window. Use it where a seasonal spike of colour is wanted between May and July, and place it alongside plants that occupy the bed before and after its season so the border retains structure outside the flowering months. Flowers appear from May to July and make reliable blooms for cutting.

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 (MTB) 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