Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) — Clump-forming

Overview

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' is a clump-forming Iris in the Iridaceae with upright, sword-shaped foliage and a seasonal flowering display from May to July. It performs best in a sunny, south-facing spot with shelter from strong winds. The cultivar suits well-drained loam of neutral pH and is rated H7, fully hardy in UK gardens. Plant where its linear leaves can frame flower stems in borders, rock gardens or containers.

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 'Pixie Flirt' belongs to the Iridaceae family and is offered as a cultivated clump-forming Iris. Its structural, sword-shaped leaves give a clear architectural shape to a planting and are followed by the plant's flowering period from May to July. No specialist soil other than a neutral loam is required, but roots need free drainage rather than sitting in water. Place 'Pixie Flirt' in full sun on a south-facing site and choose a sheltered position to protect flower stems from strong gusts. Aim for a loam-based soil at neutral pH and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; these conditions suit this plant's preference for well-drained soil. The H7 hardiness rating equates to fully hardy across the UK, so plants can remain outdoors year-round when sited appropriately. Use this Iris in herbaceous borders where the leaves form a vertical foil to other perennials, in gravel or rock gardens that supply quick drainage, or in containers on a protected patio. The sword-shaped foliage helps carry the visual line of the plant through the May–July flowering window, offering a defined seasonal presence in the bed or pot.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Sword-shaped
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB)

Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: Good
Disease resistance: Good

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB)?

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) need?

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB) 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 'Pixie Flirt' (MDB)?

Division, seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →