Iris 'Whoopsi Daisy' (BB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Whoopsi Daisy' (BB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Whoopsi Daisy' (BB) 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.

About

Iris 'Whoopsi Daisy' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that produces a May to July flowering display. It carries deciduous foliage and suits a sunny, sheltered spot. Plant into a neutral loam with good drainage and a south-, east- or west-facing aspect. It carries an H6 rating, meaning it is very hardy in typical UK gardens.

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 'Whoopsi Daisy' is a garden selection of Iris grown for its spring–early summer flowers and clump-forming habit. As a member of the Iridaceae it dies back to foliage outside the flowering season and returns from the crown each year; flowering occurs from May to July. The plant is deciduous and forms recognisable clumps rather than single stems. Give it full sun and a neutral loam that drains freely; avoid waterlogged positions. Site the plant in a sheltered location with a south-, east- or west-facing aspect to reduce wind exposure and help flowers open cleanly. The H6 hardiness rating indicates it is very hardy and will withstand normal UK winters when grown in the recommended conditions. Use Iris 'Whoopsi Daisy' in flower borders and beds where its seasonal display can sit between taller and lower neighbours, or in city courtyards and patios where a container-grown clump will provide cut stems. It also suits informal and cottage-style plantings. Expect the main display to run from May to July, offering a sustained late-spring to early-summer show.

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 'Whoopsi Daisy' (BB) 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