About
This rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial with grey-green strap-like foliage and purple-violet flowers with a yellow central rib.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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
CultivationGrow in any good garden soil that is moisture retentive but not waterlogged. In drier soils, dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting then apply as a mulch each spring. See bulb iris cultivation 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, thrips and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases