Position – Full sun
Soil – Fertile and well-drained
Flowering Period – Spring
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Iris are bulbous or rhizomatous perennial plants with elegant, slender leaves and robust vertical stems. Striking flower heads, made up of three large pendant-like petals alternate with a further three petals that are often smaller and upright. Iris are highly versatile and are best suited to flower beds and borders, banks and slopes within a courtyard, coastal and informal garden. They will also make fantastic cut flowers. You should expect to see Iris grow to an approximate height of 60-90cm (24-36”) and a spread of 50cm (20”), although this is indefinite over time. Please take care when handling Iris, as they are toxic if ingested into your system and can cause skin irritation.
Iris plants are best planted in fertile, well-drained soil of sand, chalk and loam within an alkaline or neutral PH balance. Plant Iris 10cm (4”) deep, spacing companion plants 7cm (3”) apart. Water thoroughly after planting. Iris are best positioned in full sun and will require water when appropriate during active growth.
Once the flowering period has ceased, leave the foliage in place as the remaining leaves will gather sunlight to create a vital food source to strengthen these plants for the future. Foliage may be removed during their dormant period. You may also wish to cut these blooms whilst in flower to create beautiful bouquets for the home – this will not cause any detrimental effect to your plants.
It is possible to propagate Iris by division during the summer and autumn – these should be located immediately into their final flowering position for them to thrive to optimum effect.
