Overview
Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) 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 'Spiced Lemon' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, notable for its blue-green foliage and architectural presence. It flowers from May to July. Best planted in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect where dry, sandy, neutral soil conditions prevail. Suited to border planting where its vertical leaves give structure.
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 'Spiced Lemon' belongs to the Iridaceae and is grown for its upright, architectural habit and blue-green leaves that remain a clear structural element through the season. Flowering occurs from May to July, making it a mid-to-late spring feature in the border. Give Iris 'Spiced Lemon' a sunny, south-facing site with shelter from prevailing winds. It prefers free-draining, sandy soils of neutral pH and tolerates dry conditions; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The plant is fully hardy to UK conditions (H7), so it will withstand winter temperatures typical across the British Isles when sited in a warm, well-drained position. Place it where its vertical foliage can be used as an architectural spine in a mixed border or as a focal element at the front of a gravelly or sandy bed. Its upright habit and blue-green leaves make it effective for framing lower-growing perennials and for lending season-long structure; flowering from May to July then provides a clear seasonal punctuation to the planting scheme.
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 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) 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 'Spiced Lemon' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB)?
Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) need?
Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Spiced Lemon' (TB) 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 'Spiced Lemon' (TB)?
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)