Iris 'Solar Fire' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Solar Fire' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Solar Fire' (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 'Solar Fire' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family, offering a concentrated period of bloom from May to July. It carries deciduous leaves and prefers full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing position. Rated H6 (very hardy) in the UK, it works well in borders, containers and as a source of cut flowers.

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 'Solar Fire' sits within the Iridaceae as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that produces its main floral display between May and July. The plant dies back to foliage off-season, so place it where a winter retreat will not leave an awkward gap in the border. Give it full sun and a neutral loam that drains freely; waterlogged conditions undermine its growth so a raised bed or firm ridge of soil helps where drainage is slow. Position in a sheltered spot on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect to reduce wind damage to flowering stems and to make the most of British sun. Its H6 rating means it is very hardy and will tolerate typical UK winter conditions without additional winter protection. Use Iris 'Solar Fire' where a seasonal burst of flowers is wanted: city courtyards, cottage and informal beds, patio containers and mixed borders. It also supplies cut stems for vases, so plant where flowers are easy to harvest. Expect flowers from May to July.

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 'Solar Fire' (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