Overview
Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Iris 'Water Waltz' is a clump-forming Iris (Iridaceae) with erect, sword-shaped foliage and a clear flowering season from May to July. It prefers full sun and a south-facing, sheltered position. Plant in neutral loam that drains well to prevent waterlogging. Hardy to H7, it suits borders, rock gardens and containers.
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 'Water Waltz' sits within the Iris genus as a clump-forming perennial with upright, sword-shaped leaves that give structure to the clump through the season. Its flowering occurs from May to July, making it a reliable late-spring to early-summer performer where summer flowering is required. Give Iris 'Water Waltz' a sunny, south-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds; the plant prefers loam at a neutral pH and must not sit in poorly drained ground. In UK terms H7 means it is fully hardy and will withstand winter conditions typical across the country when placed in a suitable, well-drained position. Good drainage is essential on heavier soils to prevent root problems. Use the plant at the front or centre of a mixed border where the sword-shaped foliage will form a neat architectural base for the flowering stems between May and July. It also adapts to rock gardens and containers provided the soil is loam-based and free-draining and the container stands in full sun. The seasonality is precise: flowering is confined to May–July, while the leaves continue to provide vertical structure outside that window.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Good
- Disease resistance
- Good
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB)?
Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) need?
Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris 'Water Waltz' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Water Waltz' (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 'Water Waltz' (TB)?
Division, seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)