Iris sanguinea![RHS AGM](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS-AGM--Small-Vert__web.svg)
blood-red iris
A rhizomatous perennial to 90cm tall, with long, erect, narrow leaves and unbranched stems bearing 2-3 reddish-purple flowers 6-8cm wide in early summer, the falls with yellowish-orange hafts
Synonyms
Iris sieboldiiIris orientalis Thunb.
see moreIris sibirica var. orientalis
Iris nertschinskia
Iris thunbergii
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0078390_6229.jpg)
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S. Siberia to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a well-drained, neutral to acid loam in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Lift rhizomes and plant immediately in the flowering site from midsummer to early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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