About
This bulbous perennial to 60cm tall with narrow, strap-shaped, greyish-green leaves and erect stems bearing flowers up to 10cm across in shades of blue, yellow and white from late spring into early summer.
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
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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 well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun. See bulb iris cultivation
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division. See dividing irises
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases