Iris nusairiensis — Clump forming

Overview

Iris nusairiensis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris nusairiensis 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 nusairiensis is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that forms clump-forming growth with deciduous foliage. It flowers in the UK from May to July. Best placed in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered position. Suitable for city courtyards, cottage borders, containers 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 nusairiensis sits within the Iris genus as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves. It suits temperate UK gardens where it can receive strong, direct light through the growing season and then die back naturally after flowering. The reliable UK flowering window is May to July. Site plants in a south-, east- or west-facing spot where the soil is a free-draining loam with a neutral pH; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Plants prefer full sun and a sheltered aspect to reduce wind exposure. The official hardiness rating H6 equates to very hardy in UK terms, so plants tolerate exposed winters better than tender bulbs but still benefit from a protected micro-site where possible. Use Iris nusairiensis as a compact element in flower borders, in containers on patios or in small courtyard schemes where its clump-forming habit can be displayed. It also works as a source of cut flowers when in bloom between May and July. Expect foliage to die back after flowering as part of its seasonal cycle, leaving space for later-planted summer companions.

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 nusairiensis 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