Iris 'Red Ember' (Dut)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Red Ember'
iris 'Red Ember' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Iris × hollandica 'Red Ember'

Bulbs Herbaceous Perennial

A bulbous perennial, growing to 55cm tall, with narrow, upright, strap-like, green leaves and tall, strong stems bearing sumptuous flowers with a blend of rich purple-red standards contrasted against brown falls with a yellow signal. Perfect for planting in drifts, adding to cut flower displays and growing in containers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

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
Dutch Iris are herbaceous bulbous perennials with narrow, channelled leaves and blue yellow or white flowers in late spring and early summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, well drained soil in full sun. Plant bulbs at twice their height in late summer or early autumn and feed with a high potash fertiliser after flowering. See bulb iris cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division, separating bulb offsets from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old flower stems after flowering and remove dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spots, ink disease, rust diseases, bulb rot and viruses; see Iris diseases for more details