Overview

Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) is a upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with blue-green foliage. Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) 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 'Yellow Girl' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Iris genus, known for its upright habit and blue-green foliage. This small bearded iris (SDB) thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered spot with well-drained, sandy, neutral soil. It flowers in spring, showcasing the genus's characteristic blooms with three broad fall petals and three smaller upright standards. Suitable for border planting and architectural use, it requires shallow planting of rhizomes with the tops exposed, 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 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) 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 'Yellow Girl' (SDB)

Propagation
Division, Seed
Pest resistance
Resistant
Disease resistance
Resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB)?

Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) need?

Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) grows best in sandy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays dry.

Is Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) hardy in the UK?

Iris 'Yellow Girl' (SDB) 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 'Yellow Girl' (SDB)?

Division, Seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris