Iris 'Spuria Alba' — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Spuria Alba' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Spuria Alba' 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 'Spuria Alba' is an herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that forms clumps of deciduous leaves. It flowers from May to July. Grow it in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing position. It is rated H6 (very hardy) and suits borders, containers and cut-flower use.

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 'Spuria Alba' belongs to the genus Iris within the Iridaceae and establishes as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage. It produces its bloom display between May and July, providing a dependable flowering period for late spring into midsummer. Position this cultivar in full sun on a neutral, well-drained loam and avoid sites prone to winter waterlogging. A sheltered location on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect is preferred to reduce exposure to cold winds; the H6 hardiness rating indicates the plant is very hardy in typical UK conditions. These requirements make soil quality and drainage the most important considerations rather than elaborate feeding or specialist soils. Planting and siting suit a range of garden roles: city and courtyard plots, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and dedicated flower borders. The species also works well for cut flowers, with flowering stems available from May to July for arranging. Given its clump-forming habit, allow space for an expanding eye each year so it can produce a steady succession of flowering stems for cutting during the specified season.

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 'Spuria Alba' 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