Iris 'Soaring Kite' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Soaring Kite' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Soaring Kite' (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 'Soaring Kite' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae grown for its late spring to mid-summer flowering (May to July). It carries deciduous foliage and forms ordered clumps suitable for planting in open soil or containers. The variety prefers a neutral loam that drains freely and a sunny, sheltered position. It is rated H6, classed as very hardy in UK conditions.

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 'Soaring Kite' sits within the iris family and is offered as a garden clump-forming perennial valued for its May to July display. It has deciduous leaves and is typically used where a defined spring–summer show is required; specific breeding or origin details are not stated here. Growers prize it for reliably timed flowering late in the spring season. Place plants where they receive full sun and are protected from cold drying winds — ideal aspects are south, east or west facing. Work a neutral loam into the planting area and ensure the soil is well drained; waterlogging will reduce long-term vigour. A sheltered site complements the plant’s exposure needs and helps flower stems remain upright. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H6 (very hardy), so it tolerates most winter conditions when planted in a suitable site. Use Iris 'Soaring Kite' in city courtyards, patios or containers as well as in flower borders and cottage-style beds; it also suits cutting for vases. Where space is limited, place it in a container filled with a free-draining loam mix on a sunny, sheltered terrace. For cut flowers, take stems when the first blooms open to secure the best vase life for displays indoors.

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 'Soaring Kite' (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