Overview
Iris 'Snow Face' is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Snow Face' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.
About
Iris 'Snow Face' is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It produces flowers from May to July. The plant prefers full sun on sandy, neutral soil and suits sheltered, south-facing situations. It is fully hardy (H7) in UK gardens and is used for border planting and as an architectural plant.
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 'Snow Face' is a herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and distinctive blue-green leaves. Flowering runs from May to July, offering a clear seasonal window for its bloom display. The combination of vertical foliage and a defined flowering period makes it useful where structure is wanted in a mixed border or a gravel garden. Place Iris 'Snow Face' in a full-sun, south-facing position that is sheltered from strong cold winds. It favours sandy, neutral soil that stays on the dry side, so ensure excellent drainage and avoid planting in heavy, water-retentive clay. The rating H7 indicates the plant is fully hardy across the UK, though its performance benefits from the drier, warmer microclimates created by a sunny, sheltered aspect. Use this iris where you need architectural form: upright leaves give a vertical accent in perennial borders, gravel beds or beside paving. Pair it with lower-growing perennials that tolerate dry, neutral soils to set off the foliage. The upright, blue-green leaves create a lasting structural feature through the season that remains legible after flowering finishes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Snow Face' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Snow Face'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Snow Face'?
Iris 'Snow Face' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Snow Face' need?
Iris 'Snow Face' grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Snow Face' hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Snow Face' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris 'Snow Face'?
Division, Seed.
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)