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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris variegata
  • RHS AGM

variegated iris

A hardy, rhizomatous perennial with sword-shaped dark green ribbed foliage and tall, branched flowering stems holding 2 to 3 yellow-white flowers with brown-purple markings on the lower, drooping petals, these appearing from May to June

Other common names
Hungarian iris
Synonyms
Iris rudskyi

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow White Brown Purple Green
Summer Yellow White Brown Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun. Will tolerate some shade. See bearded iris cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Remove spent flower stems and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

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

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