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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris 'Early Light' (TB)
  • RHS AGM

iris 'Early Light'

A rhizomatous perennial to 1m in height, with grey-green foliage and creamy-white flowers, flushed with lemon-yellow at the margins; beard yellow

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Cream Yellow Green Grey Silver
Summer Cream Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–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
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

Plant rhizomes just above soil level. Thrives in a sunny position, in ideally neutral soil with good drainage. See bearded iris cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn, see dividing irises

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

Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spots, rust diseases, rhizome rot and viruses; see Iris diseases for more details

Get involved

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