Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' (SDB)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Pumpin' Iron'
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A perennial to 32cm in height. It has deep velvety-purple, fragrant flowers with striking blue-purple beards and produces a very vigorous, yet neat floriferous display, flowering for 3 to 4 weeks in mid to late Spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Standard Dwarf Bearded irises are rhizomatous perennials 20-40cm tall, with flowers 5-7cm across, bearded on the falls, in late spring or early summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. For maximum flower set, bearded iris rhizomes need to be warmed by the sun. Plant with the rhizome just above the soil to maximise exposure to the sun and make sure that there is not too much competition from surrounding plants

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes in autumn or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Prairie planting
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Cut flowers
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering

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