Iris 'Red Zinger' (IB)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Red Zinger'
Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous perennial to around 90cm with sword-like grey-green foliage and fragrant, ruffled, velvety dark to pale rich red flowers with yellow-orange centres, appearing in spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, 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

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
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
Intermediate Bearded irises are deciduous rhizomatous perennials, growing between 40 and 70cm tall, with sword-shaped light glaucous green leaves and erect stems bearing flowers 10-13cm across, bearded on the falls, in late spring and early summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun. See bearded iris cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems and any dying foliage in autumn

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