Iris 'Ann Chowning' (La)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Ann Chowning'

Synonyms

Iris louisiana 'Ann Chowning'

Herbaceous Perennial Bogs Aquatic

A moisture-loving plant that can be planted at the edges of a pond or streamside. It's bright green strap-like, sword shaped leaves persist in sheltered areas throught winter. In late spring/ early summer it produces tall stems, of up to 1m, topped by deep red flowers with a flash of golden yellow at the base of the petals

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Clay Sand Chalk
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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
Louisiana Hybrid irises are rhizomatous perennials with beardless flowers 7-20cm across, borne several to each stem in spring and early summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in reliably damp soil that is rich in organic matter in a sun or partial shade. Can be grown as a marginal plant in ponds and along streamsides. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in late summer after flowering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back faded flower stems after flowering. Remove withered leaves in autumn.

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey mould (botrytis). See iris deseases