Iris 'Yellow Flirt' (MTB) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Yellow Flirt' (MTB) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Yellow Flirt' (MTB) 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 'Yellow Flirt' is a clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that suits sunny, well-drained spots. It favours neutral loam in sheltered positions and withstands typical UK winters as an H6 (very hardy) plant. Flowers appear from May to July, providing a clear seasonal display. Recommended uses include borders, containers, courtyard planting and cut flowers.

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 'Yellow Flirt' sits within the iris family and grows as a clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennial. It performs best in full sun on a well-drained loamy soil with a neutral pH and prefers a sheltered aspect facing south, east or west. Classified H6, it is very hardy under UK conditions and will re-emerge each year from its clump. Expect blooms from May to July, a window that makes it useful where a reliable mid-to-early summer flowering period is required. Plant into borders where the clumping habit can be shown off, or use in patio containers where drainage can be controlled; the cultivar is also suited to city and courtyard gardens and informal cottage settings. It is commonly used as a cut flower while in bloom. Position plants where they receive unbroken sun through the day and avoid waterlogged ground; neutral loam that drains freely matches its needs. Foliage dies back after the season, so allow the clump to go dormant naturally. For gardeners aiming to pick stems, cut during the May to July flowering period when blooms are at their freshest.

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 'Yellow Flirt' (MTB) 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