Iris 'Pagan Princess' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Pagan Princess' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Pagan Princess' (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 'Pagan Princess' is a herbaceous perennial that forms clump-forming growth and flowers from May to July. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun on neutral loam with good drainage. Place it in a south-, east- or west-facing site with some shelter. The plant holds an H6 rating, meaning it is very hardy in UK conditions.

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 'Pagan Princess' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial selected for its seasonal flowering display from May to July. Its deciduous leaves die back after the season, leaving the clump ready to regenerate the following spring. The cultivar suits any situation where a clearly defined spring–early summer show is required. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in neutral loam that drains freely; waterlogged soil should be avoided. A south-, east- or west-facing aspect gives the best flowering exposure. The H6 hardiness rating indicates the plant is very hardy in UK gardens when established, but planting into a slightly raised bed or improving drainage will reduce winter wet around the roots. Use Iris 'Pagan Princess' in city or courtyard schemes, cottage and informal borders, patio containers or dedicated flower beds; it also supplies stems for cutting. Keep plants spaced so air circulates through the clump and lift or divide congested plants when necessary. The flowers cut well and will provide stems for vases throughout the May to July period, so position plants where blooms can be reached easily.

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 'Pagan Princess' (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