About
A marginal, deciduous perennial with strap-like mid green leaves and pink to lilac-mauve and white flowers with purple veining and a yellow centre which have an open habit apppearing May to June. Suitable for bog gardens, ponds, lakes and streams.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, 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
CultivationPlant in heavy clay or loam soil or a specialist aquatic soil in baskets or planting bags. Water depth should be between 0 and 10cm over the rhizome. Suitable for bog gardens, ponds, streams, ditches, swimming pools, patio water-gardening or any poorly drained area of the garden. See pond plants for further advice
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by dividing iris rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn. See dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases