Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Tropical Delight' (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 'Tropical Delight' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It flowers from May to July, producing vertical interest through early summer. Plant it in full sun on sandy, neutral soil where conditions are dry and sheltered, ideally on a south-facing aspect. Its architectural form makes it well suited to structured borders.

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 'Tropical Delight' is an upright herbaceous perennial with blue-green leaves and an architectural presence in the border. Flowering runs from May to July, offering a distinct early‑summer display that sits above its foliage. The name places it in the Iridaceae family and its habit and foliage make its form a defining feature in a mixed planting. Place Iris 'Tropical Delight' where it will receive full sun and remain dry underfoot; a sandy, neutral soil suits it best. A south-facing, sheltered position will protect the upright shoots from prevailing winds while allowing maximum sun exposure. It is fully hardy in UK terms (H7), so it tolerates winter cold when sited where soil drainage is reliable. Use it as a structural or architectural plant in perennial borders and sunny beds where its vertical lines can be seen from paths and terraces. Grouping several plants gives clearer form and steadier presence through the flowering period of May to July. Given its preference for dry, sandy conditions and a sheltered, sunny aspect, place Iris 'Tropical Delight' where these conditions are already met rather than trying to amend heavy, water-retentive ground.

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 'Tropical Delight' (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 'Tropical Delight' (TB)

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB)?

Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB) need?

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

Is Iris 'Tropical Delight' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Tropical Delight' (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 'Tropical Delight' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →