Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) — Upright

Overview

Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Witch's Wand' (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 'Witch's Wand' is an upright herbaceous perennial in the iris family with blue-green foliage and a strong architectural habit. It flowers from May to July on vertical stems that rise above the foliage. Plant it in full sun on well-drained sandy soil with a neutral pH in a south-facing, sheltered position. Fully hardy in UK gardens (H7), it suits borders where a clear vertical accent is wanted.

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 'Witch's Wand' is a cultivated iris (Iridaceae) selected for its upright habit and blue-green leaf fans. Flowering runs from May to July, when the plant produces erect flower stems that sit over the foliage and lend height to a planting scheme. Position is important: choose a full-sun site with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. The cultivar prefers sandy, well-drained soils of neutral pH and tolerates dry conditions, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Its fully hardy rating (H7) means it will survive typical UK winters outdoors, though a protected, sunlit spot reduces wind exposure to the flowering stems. Use Iris 'Witch's Wand' where vertical structure is required — in mixed herbaceous borders, gravel beds or as an architectural accent against a wall. The blue-green leaves form neat fans that contrast with neighbouring textures, while the flower stems provide seasonal height from May to July. Sit it where the upright stems can be appreciated from a path or patio, so the flowering period contributes a deliberate vertical line in the planting.

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 'Witch's Wand' (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 'Witch's Wand' (TB)

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant
Disease resistance: Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB)?

Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) need?

Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Witch's Wand' (TB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Witch's Wand' (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 'Witch's Wand' (TB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →