About

A compact perennial, to around 35cm high, with sword-shaped, grey-green leaves. Flowers have ruffled, pale peachy pink standards, and paler falls with tan veining and a light blue beard.

About the genus

Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun. See bearded iris cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningRemove spent flower stems in summer, and any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases