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BulbsHerbaceous Perennial

Iris 'Imperator' (Dut)

A bulbous perennial, to around 60cm high, with narrow, upright green leaves. Flowers have ruffled, indigo standards and falls, with an orange-yellow centre spot. Flowers from late spring to early summer

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

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

Not established

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

Thrives in a sunny position, in most soils with good drainage. In drier soils, dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting, and mulch in spring. Feed after flowering to encourage bulb growth. See bulb iris cultivation

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Remove spent flower stems in summer, and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

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

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