Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (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 'Tequila Sunrise' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that carries blue-green leaves. It flowers from May to July on erect stems. Plant it in full sun on sandy, neutral, dry soil in a south-facing, sheltered spot. Fully hardy (H7), it is suited to border planting and as an architectural plant.

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 'Tequila Sunrise' sits within the iris family and presents a clear, upright habit with blue-green foliage that remains visible for much of the season. The cultivar flowers between May and July, producing blooms on erect stems that emphasise vertical lines in the border. Place Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' in a consistently sunny, south-facing site with protection from prevailing winds; a sheltered aspect helps the upright stems remain intact. It prefers sandy, neutral soil that drains freely and remains on the drier side rather than sitting wet. These conditions suit gardeners who can provide open, well-drained beds rather than heavy, moisture-retentive ground. This plant is fully hardy (H7) in UK conditions and responds well where it has room to express its architectural form. Use it toward the front or middle of a mixed border to introduce height and structure, or alongside gravel and Mediterranean-style plantings where dry, sandy soil is the norm. Expect upright stems to carry the flowers from May to July, emphasising its role as a structural accent in a south-facing border.

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 'Tequila Sunrise' (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 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB)?

Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) need?

Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Tequila Sunrise' (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 'Tequila Sunrise' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →