Iris 'Alexia' (TB)
iris 'Alexia'
A vigorous, spreading perennial with erect leaves to 75cm, glaucous with a purple tinge at the base. Flower stems to 108cm, erect with a slight zig-zag, bearing up to 8 flowers per stem. Standards are in shades of violet blue. Falls circular, pleated at edges, violet blue, streaked and tinted darker violet blue at centre and edges. Beard inconspicuous. Mid-late season
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Unresolved
- Horticultural Group
- Tall Bearded irises are herbaceous rhizomatous perennials to 70cm or more, with flowers 10-20cm across, bearded on the falls, in late spring and early summer
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid loam in full sun. See bearded iris cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn, see dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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