Overview
Iris x sambucina is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris x sambucina 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 x sambucina, known as the elder-scented iris, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Iridaceae family. This upright cultivar features blue-green foliage and produces flowers in spring and summer, typical of the Iris genus which bears slender leaves and upright stems with distinctive three broad fall petals and three smaller standard petals. It thrives best in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with sandy, neutral, and dry soil. Suitable for border planting and architectural use, it requires well-drained, fertile soil with shallowly planted rhizomes and benefits from watering during dry spells while avoiding waterlogging.
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
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 x sambucina 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 x sambucina
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant
- Disease resistance
- Resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris x sambucina?
Iris x sambucina prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris x sambucina need?
Iris x sambucina grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.
Is Iris x sambucina hardy in the UK?
Iris x sambucina 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 x sambucina?
Division, Seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)