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About

Iris 'Shiralee' is a named garden cultivar in the family Iridaceae and a member of the genus Iris. It produces its flowering display in the UK from May to July. Plants form clumps that are valued for a concentrated early-summer bloom. After flowering, removing spent flower stems helps keep the clump tidy and redirects energy to the next season's growth.

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 'Shiralee' is a named cultivar of the genus Iris (family Iridaceae) selected for garden use. In the UK it reliably comes into bloom between May and July, providing a defined window of colour and form in the late spring to early summer planting calendar. Position the plant where it will receive good light and avoid waterlogged ground; many garden irises perform best with free-draining soil and a sunny aspect. Plant to the depth advised by your supplier and allow room for the clump to spread; lift and divide overcrowded clumps every few years to restore vigour and improve flowering. Apply a light spring feed once fresh growth begins and cut away finished flower stalks to tidy the clump and focus resources on renewed leaf and root development. Use Iris 'Shiralee' in mixed perennial borders or in a dedicated cutting bed where its May–July flowering window can be coordinated with other early-summer plants. Its concentrated bloom period makes it useful for providing form and timing in a planting plan, after which later-flowering perennials can take over. Expect the main display in late spring and remove spent stalks promptly once flowering ends to maintain a compact, healthy clump.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →
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