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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris 'Princess Bride' (BB)

iris 'Princess Bride'

'Princess Bride' is a perennial to 65cm in height with green lance-shaped leaves and strong stems bearing large creamy-white flowers with deep orange-yellow beards. Flowers in mid-season; flowers have a slightly spicy fragrance

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream White Green
Summer Cream White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
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
Border Bearded irises are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials to 70cm tall with flowers 10-13cm across in late spring and early summer, each fall petal bearing a prominent beard

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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 from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
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

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.