Iris 'Raspberry Fudge' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Raspberry Fudge' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Raspberry Fudge' (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 'Raspberry Fudge' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with deciduous foliage. It flowers from May to July. It prefers full sun in neutral loam that is well drained and performs best in a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing position. Very hardy (H6), it suits borders, containers and cutting beds.

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

A cultivated iris available for ornamental planting, Iris 'Raspberry Fudge' sits within the Iridaceae and produces a clear seasonal display between May and July. The plant forms discrete clumps of deciduous leaves, sending up flowering stems in late spring and early summer and supplying reliable material for cutting. Position the iris in full sun on neutral loam with good drainage; heavy, waterlogged soils should be avoided. A sheltered site on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect reduces wind damage to the flower stems and helps flowers open fully. The rating H6 translates to very hardy in UK conditions, so established clumps tolerate winter cold without special protection. This cultivar works well in city and courtyard gardens where contained clumps sit alongside paving, in cottage and informal borders, and on patios or in containers that receive plenty of sun. Use it in mixed beds to add mid-season height, or grow a small block as a dedicated cutting patch for short-season bouquets. The clump-forming habit delivers a number of stems suitable for cutting, which is worth planning for if you intend to use blooms indoors.

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 'Raspberry Fudge' (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