Iris 'Snowmound' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Snowmound' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Snowmound' (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 'Snowmound' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family with deciduous foliage and a defined late-spring to early-summer flowering window. It performs best in full sun on a neutral, well-drained loam and prefers a sheltered aspect. The plant is classed H6 for UK gardens, meaning it is very hardy in most outdoor situations. Flowering occurs from May to July.

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 'Snowmound' belongs to the Iridaceae and grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with foliage that dies back each year. Flowering takes place from May to July, producing stems from the established clump during the late spring and early summer months. Siting should favour full sun on a neutral, loamy soil with good drainage; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. A sheltered position on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect reduces wind damage to flowering stems. The plant is rated H6 for the UK, meaning it is very hardy in outdoor borders through typical winter conditions. Treat the crowns as deciduous herbaceous material when planning seasonal companions or mulching. Use Iris 'Snowmound' where compact, clump-forming perennials suit the scheme: city and courtyard beds, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and for cut flowers. It fits well in mixed perennial borders and small beds where its seasonal display can be seen between May and July. Because the foliage dies back after flowering, mark positions when planting so clumps can be easily found for follow-on planting or summer maintenance.

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 'Snowmound' (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