About
A tropical evergreen shrub from Southeast Asia with small, crenated (crenatum), leathery, dark green leaves and small, urn-shaped flowers in short racemes, followed by small, dark berries. A little-cultivated botanical curiosity for warm, humid, tropical glasshouse collections.
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, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toUnited States
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
CultivationThrives in moist, humus rich, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil. Will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun. Suitable for planting at the edges of ponds and streams, in a bog garden, or in a border where the soil does not dry out
PruningRemove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and iris sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses and grey moulds; see Iris diseases