Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.

About

Iris 'Petite Polka' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with blue-green foliage and a compact architectural presence. It flowers in the UK from May to July. Plant it in full sun on dry, sandy, neutral soil in a sheltered, south-facing spot. It is fully hardy in the UK (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 'Petite Polka' is a cultivated iris selection grown for its upright habit and blue-green sword-like leaves. As a herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season and reappears, carrying its bloom spike through the early to mid summer months; flowering runs from May to July in the UK. Its architectural silhouette makes it useful where a vertical accent is needed without a tall framework. Place plants in a sunny, south-facing, sheltered position with free-draining sandy soil of neutral pH; the plant prefers dry conditions rather than a moisture-retentive site. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7), so it will withstand normal winter conditions; avoid waterlogged soils and siting in exposed, windy hollows where drying winds can desiccate the clump. Use Iris 'Petite Polka' at the front or middle of borders where a measured, upright form is required, or as a single architectural element among gravel or stone features that match its preference for dryness. The blue-green foliage persists through the season and the May–July blooms rise above the leaves, giving a concise, early-summer vertical note to borders and structural plantings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Dry
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Upright
Foliage: Blue-green
Suggested uses: Border planting, Architectural plant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB)?

Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) need?

Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Iris 'Petite Polka' (SDB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →