Overview
Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Sweet Lena' (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 'Sweet Lena' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July on erect stems that give vertical structure in a border. Best grown in full sun on sandy, neutral soil where conditions are dry and sheltered. Hardy to H7 (fully hardy) and suited to border planting and architectural 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 'Sweet Lena' belongs to the iris family and presents as an upright herbaceous perennial with blue-green leaves and erect flowering stems. Flowers appear from May to July, offering a concentrated period of vertical colour and form in early summer. Place Iris 'Sweet Lena' in a south-facing position with full sun and protection from prevailing winds; a sheltered aspect helps keep the flower spikes upright. It prefers sandy, neutral soil that remains dry rather than moisture-retentive, so ensure good drainage when planting. The hardiness rating H7 translates as fully hardy in UK conditions, so it will withstand typical outdoor winters without additional shelter. Use this iris where its upright habit can be shown off: the middle or rear of a herbaceous border or as an architectural accent among lower-growing perennials. Blue-green foliage provides a steady backdrop to summer blooms. Expect flowering from May to July, after which the vertical stems will have delivered their main seasonal display.
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 'Sweet Lena' (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 'Sweet Lena' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB)?
Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB) need?
Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Sweet Lena' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Sweet Lena' (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 'Sweet Lena' (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)