Iris 'Ruby Mine' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Ruby Mine' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Ruby Mine' (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 'Ruby Mine' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It produces deciduous foliage and suits a sunny, well-drained site in neutral loam. Plant in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot to protect flowering stems. It works equally well in borders, containers and as a source of cut flowers.

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 'Ruby Mine' is a named cultivar within the Iris genus, grown for its seasonal display of flowers from May to July. As a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves, it dies back after the season and re-emerges the following year. The plant belongs to the Iridaceae family and performs as a perennial that occupies a defined clump rather than spreading aggressively. Choose a position in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; waterlogged winter soil will reduce vigour. A sheltered site on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect will help keep taller flower stems upright and reduce wind damage. The listed hardiness H6 corresponds to 'very hardy', so plants will survive most UK winters in the ground without added protection when given the right soil and exposure. Iris 'Ruby Mine' suits city courtyards, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and beds, and is appropriate for cutting. Place it where a defined spring–early-summer display is wanted and where summer removal of spent foliage is acceptable, and use the flowering window from May to July to plan summer vase arrangements.

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 'Ruby Mine' (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