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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris 'Royal Contrast' (SDB)

iris 'Royal Contrast'

'Royal Contrast' is a perennial to 36cm in height with lance-shaped, grey-green leaves. The dark purple flowers become deeper purple around the white beards; flowers late spring to early summer

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

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

Grows best in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. For maximum flower set, bearded iris rhizomes need to be warmed by the sun. Plant with the rhizome just above the soil to maximise exposure to the sun and make sure that there is not too much competition from surrounding plants

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Gravel garden
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Garden edging
Flower borders and beds
Wall side borders

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

Get involved

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