Overview
Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include border planting and architectural plant.
About
Iris 'Westpointer' is a herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae with an upright habit and blue-green foliage. It produces its blooms from May to July. Plant in a sunny, south-facing spot on free-draining sandy soil and provide shelter from cold drying winds.
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 'Westpointer' sits within the Iridaceae as an upright, herbaceous perennial notable for its blue-green, sword-like leaves and a clear seasonal flowering window from May to July. It is treated as a clump-forming iris cultivar and is best located where its vertical leaves and stem height can be seen against lower-growing neighbours. Position it in full sun on sandy, neutral soil and choose a south-facing, sheltered site to reduce exposure to cold drying winds. The plant prefers dry conditions, so ensure excellent drainage and avoid waterlogged or heavy soils; a light top-dressing of grit or sand will help on heavier ground. It is rated H7, which corresponds to fully hardy for UK gardens, so it tolerates winter cold provided roots remain dry and the crown does not sit in persistent winter moisture. Use Iris 'Westpointer' where its architectural form will be an asset: in a sunny mixed border, as a vertical foil to mat-forming perennials, or as a focal point in a gravel or Mediterranean-style bed. The blue-green foliage remains upright outside the flowering season and frames the May–July display, giving a clear vertical element to sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Blue-green
- Suggested uses
- Border planting, Architectural plant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris 'Westpointer' (TB)
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Westpointer' (TB)?
Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) need?
Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris 'Westpointer' (TB) hardy in the UK?
Iris 'Westpointer' (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 'Westpointer' (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)