Iris vartanii (Vartanni Iris) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris vartanii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris vartanii 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. It is native to Lebanon-Syria and Palestine.

About

Iris vartanii is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that forms clumps and carries its flowers from May to July. The foliage is deciduous and the plant suits a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing position. It prefers full sun in a well-drained neutral loam. Native to Lebanon-Syria and Palestine, it carries an H6 rating, meaning it is very hardy in UK conditions.

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

A member of the Iris genus, Iris vartanii grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial and flowers in the UK from May to July. Its origins lie in Lebanon-Syria and Palestine, and the plant emerges with deciduous leaves before and during the reproductive season. Expect flowering to be concentrated in late spring and early summer. Sit Iris vartanii in full sun on a well-drained loam with a neutral pH and give it a sheltered aspect to reduce exposure to strong winds; south-, east- or west-facing positions are all suitable. The H6 hardiness rating translates as very hardy across most of the UK, so it will tolerate winter cold when given the recommended exposure and soil conditions. Its deciduous nature means foliage will die back outside the growing season. Use Iris vartanii where its seasonal flowering can be appreciated: in patio containers, city or courtyard beds, cottage or informal borders, and as a source of cut flowers. It suits flower borders and smaller beds where a concentrated May–July display is wanted. The May–July blooms are also appropriate for cutting and bringing indoors for short 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 vartanii 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
Native to: Lebanon-Syria, Palestine