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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris lutescens
  • RHS AGM

Crimean iris

A spreading rhizomatous perennial to 30cm tall, with erect, sword-shaped leaves and yellow, white, blue or purple flowers 7cm wide in early spring, the standards larger than the yellow-bearded falls

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple White Yellow Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Correct

Plant range
S Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Lift rhizomes and divide clumps from midsummer to early autumn

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

No pruning required

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

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