Iris 'Attention Please' (TB)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Attention Please'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, up to 70m high in flower, with glaucous, sword-shaped leaves and scented, bold, bicoloured, deep-violet and white, slightly frilled flowers and golden yellow beards, in summer.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen, 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
Accepted
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loam in full sun, with upper part of rhizomes exposed. 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

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases