Iris unguicularis 'Oxford Dwarf'

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Herbaceous Perennial

A dwarf, evergreen rhizomatous perennial, to around 30cm high, with tough, narrow green leaves. White flowers with lavender-tipped, purple-veined falls with a central orange line appear on short, upright stems in late winter to early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained or sharply drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required, tidy plant after flowers fade

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to bacterial soft rot, grey moulds and a virus; see Iris diseases