About
A rhizomatous perennial, to just over 1m high in flower, with upright, sword-shaped, grey-green leaves. Flowers are sweetly scented, with violet-coloured standards with darker veins, reddish purple falls touched with yellow at the base, and an orange and purple beard.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
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 a sunny position, in neutral to slightly acid soil with good drainage. Plant rhizomes just above soil level, as sun on the rhizomes encourages flowering. Plants should be kept fairly dry during summer dormancy. See bearded iris cultivation
PruningRemove spent flower stems and foliage after flowering; plants are summer dormant
PropagationPropagate by division, see dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, rust diseases, rhizome rot and viruses; see Iris diseases for more details