Iris 'Small Wonder' (SDB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Small Wonder' (SDB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Small Wonder' (SDB) 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 'Small Wonder' is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely. Place it in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot to give the shoots some protection. Its size and flowering season make it suitable for containers, borders and for cutting as short-season stems.

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 compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, Iris 'Small Wonder' offers a concentrated spring-to-early-summer display, flowering from May to July. The foliage is deciduous and the plant forms tidy clumps that fit well where space is limited. The cultivar is noted for its suitability in containers and beds where a sheltered aspect can be provided. Plant into a neutral loam that is free-draining and positioned in full sun; south-, east- or west-facing exposures are all appropriate. Although it prefers a sheltered spot, its H6 rating means it is very hardy through typical UK winters. Good drainage is important in a loam soil to avoid persistent winter wet around the roots. Use Iris 'Small Wonder' in city courtyards, patio containers, cottage and informal borders, or as a short-season cut flower. In mixed borders it sits well among other spring and early-summer perennials, filling a compact niche where larger irises would be out of scale. Flowering between May and July provides a reliable window for cutting stems for arrangements during early summer.

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 'Small Wonder' (SDB) 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