About
A tough, clump-forming perennial to 80cm tall with arching, narrow leaves and branched stems bearing several deep purple-blue flowers with white-yellow stripes and veining in summer.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationThis cultivar is perfect for planting at sunny pond margins and boggy conditions. Plant in deep, moist to wet, humus-rich acidic soil. Will not tolerate dying out
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn; old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes in autumn
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