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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris goniocarpa

A clump-forming perennial, to around 30cm high, with linear, grass-like green leaves. Small, mottled violet-blue or occasionally white flowers, with tall standards and small white beards tipped with yellow on the falls, are borne singly on upright stems in late spring and early summer

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple White Green
Summer Blue Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Himalaya to C China

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a sunny position, in moist but well-drained, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil

Propagation

Propagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Remove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases

Get involved

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