Overview
Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include water gardens and borders. It is native to Ontario and Quebec.
About
Iris × robusta, called the Windermere iris, is a hybrid species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. Its parents are Iris versicolor and Iris virginica, both of which are native to North America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris × robusta
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- water gardens, borders
- Native to
- Ontario, Quebec
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby'
- Propagation
- division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby'?
Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' need?
Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' hardy in the UK?
Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Iris robusta 'Gerald Darby'?
Division.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)