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Iris latifolia

English iris

A bulbous perennial to 60cm tall, with erect, narrowly lance-shaped leaves and violet, violet-blue or white flowers 8-10cm wide, each fall whitish at the base

Other common names
great bulbous iris
Pyrenean flag
Synonyms
Iris anglica
Iris xiphioides
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
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

Unresolved

Plant range
Pyrenees, Spain

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil, preferably in a sunny spot where the soil does not dry out. See bulb iris cultivation for further advice. May be naturalised in grass

Propagation

Lift and propagate by division in early autumn. Propagate by seed; sow seeds in cold frame in spring or autumn

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

No pruning required, Remove the foliage once it has died down

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

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

Get involved

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