Iris 'Wings at Dawn' (TB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Wings at Dawn' (TB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Wings at Dawn' (TB) 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 'Wings at Dawn' is an herbaceous perennial in the iris family that forms clumps of deciduous leaves. It flowers from May to July and favours full sun on neutral, well‑drained loam. Best placed in a south-, east- or west-facing, sheltered position, it carries an H6 rating for UK winters. Suitable uses include borders, containers and cutting for the vase.

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 'Wings at Dawn' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae, grown for its seasonal summer display. As a deciduous iris it dies back after the flowering season and returns from the crown the following year. The plant flowers from May to July, making it a mid-to-high season contributor in mixed borders and formal beds. Give it full sun and a neutral loam that drains freely; poor drainage is the main limiting factor for most irises. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing position where it will receive direct light through the day and shelter from strong prevailing winds, which helps protect flower stems. It is rated H6, which in UK terms means it is very hardy and will tolerate typical winter conditions when sited appropriately. Iris 'Wings at Dawn' suits city and courtyard planting as well as cottage and informal borders; it also works in patio containers and as a cut flower. Positioning it in a sheltered courtyard pot or at the front of a sunny border keeps flower stems intact for cutting between May and July and makes the most of its seasonal display.

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 'Wings at Dawn' (TB) 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