Iris 'Tiger Honey' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Tiger Honey' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Tiger Honey' (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 'Tiger Honey' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and performs best in full sun on neutral loam with good drainage. Position it in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot where winter exposure is reduced. Suitable uses include borders, containers, courtyards 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 'Tiger Honey' is a named iris cultivar (Iridaceae), grown as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial. Its flowering season runs from May to July, providing a defined period of bloom in late spring and early summer. Leaves are deciduous and the plant develops as a discrete clump suited to planting in beds or containers. Choose a site in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; soil that remains waterlogged will limit performance. A sheltered position is recommended and south-, east- or west-facing aspects give the best sun exposure. The plant is rated H6 for UK hardiness, meaning it is very hardy under typical garden conditions when sited out of strong winter winds. Iris 'Tiger Honey' fits well into city and courtyard planting, cottage and informal borders, patios and containers, and is practical for cutting in season. Sit it where the May–July flowering period can be appreciated close to paths or doors, or combine with later- and earlier-flowering perennials to extend seasonal interest. Locate groups where the clump-forming habit can be seen, and use stems from the May to July run for fresh flower displays.

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 'Tiger Honey' (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