Iris 'Tide's In' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Tide's In' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Tide's In' (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

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, Iris 'Tide's In' flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae). Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot on neutral loam that drains freely. Suitable for borders, containers and cutting for bouquets.

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 'Tide's In' is a cultivated iris within the family Iridaceae that forms steady clumps of deciduous foliage and produces its flowering display from May to July. The plant's structure and seasonal dieback suit a planting rhythm where fresh shoots emerge in spring and carry the flower stems through early summer. Position the iris in full sun on neutral loam with good drainage; avoid sites that remain waterlogged. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing, sheltered situation to reduce exposure to prevailing winds and to help establish flower stems. The hardiness rating H6 translates as very hardy in UK terms, so plants will withstand winter conditions in most parts of the country when given the recommended site and soil. Iris 'Tide's In' works well in flower borders and beds, city and courtyard plots, cottage or informal schemes, and on patios where containers are used. It is also suitable for cut flowers, offering stems during its May to July season. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering before tidying the clump; the predictable flowering window makes it straightforward to plan companion planting or successive displays in the border.

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 'Tide's In' (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