Iris × fulvala

RHS Plant Profile
copper iris
Award of Garden Merit
Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous, spreading iris to 75cm tall with slender green leaves and bearing velvety deep reddish-purple summer flowers, 5-12cm across, with yellow flares on the falls

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
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
Correct
Plant Range
USA (Kentucky)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in wet, deep, acid, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. It thrives at the margins of ponds or streams and in bog gardens

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division. See dividing irises

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

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