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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris 'Benton Benedict' (TB)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, up to 80cm high in flower, with glaucous, sword-shaped blue-green leaves. The large flowers have soft pink standards flushed with pale brown, the falls pure white, edged with pale brown with dark purple veining, flowering in late May

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen or Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loam in full sun, with upper part of rhizomes exposed at soil level and not overshadowed, rotate every 5-6 years. See bearded iris cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn, every 3-4 years, see dividing irises

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Architectural
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, iris thrip and iris sawfly

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to Iris diseases

Get involved

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