Iris 'Ruby Eruption' (SDB)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Ruby Eruption'
iris 'Ruby Eruption' RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

'Ruby Eruption' is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, up to 30cm high, with glaucous leaves and ruffled, scented flowers in late spring and early summer. Flowers have a base colour of yellow and are edged, veined and spotted with deep purplish maroon; beards white and maroon

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
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
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
Clump forming
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

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, and with the top surfaces of the rhizomes exposed so that they get baked in summer sun, which encourages flowering

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to late summer; for more advice, see dividing irises

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove 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