About
A tuberous perennial with lance-shaped, glaucous green leaves which appear in winter or early spring. Flowers are borne rather lower than leaf tips, on stems to 40cm, and are a striking combination of greenish-yellow standards with purplish-brown to blackish falls.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toS Europe
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers 10cm (4in) deep in autumn, in moderately fertile, sharply drained alkaline soil in full sun. Dry summers encourage flowering
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division as soon as the leaves have died back in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases