Iris 'Taking Chances' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Taking Chances' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Taking Chances' (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 'Taking Chances' is an herbaceous, clump-forming perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun on neutral, well-drained loam. The plant favours a sheltered position with a south-, east- or west-facing aspect. It is suited to city courtyards, 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 'Taking Chances' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the iris family that produces its flowering display from May to July. The foliage dies back seasonally and the plant establishes as discrete clumps, making it straightforward to site where seasonal colour is required. No native range or breeder details are supplied here; the focus is on practical garden performance. Plant where it receives full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; avoid waterlogged ground. A sheltered spot with a south-, east- or west-facing aspect will protect flower stems from wind. The hardiness rating H6 means it is very hardy in UK conditions and will tolerate typical winters, though a free-draining soil is essential to prevent winter wet. Use Iris 'Taking Chances' in city and courtyard gardens, in cottage or informal beds, on patios or in containers, and for cutting. It slots into mixed flower borders for a reliable May–July presence and can be grown where its seasonal flowering is visible from seating or windows. Cut blooms extend the display indoors and make the most of its mid- to late-spring flowering period.

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 'Taking Chances' (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