Iris
Iris takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. They prefer to be planted in a fertile rather moist, but well drained garden soil and in a sunny protected position.
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Foetidissima
M6491
Bearing delicate, pale yellow, mauve-mottled flowers above evergreen foliage, the unassuming Iris ‘Foetidissima’ really comes into its own in the autumn. This variety forms large seedpods which split open to reveal a cluster of jewel-like, vivid scarlet fruits which persist throughout the winter. The renowned florist Constance Spry was a proponent of using the “brown leaves and brilliant orange seed heads” as an intriguing addition to floral arrangements (Garden Notebook, 1940). Unusually for an Iris, ‘Foetidissima’ thrives in boggy shade and will tolerate drier conditions, so is perfect for areas where other plants may struggle.
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Sapphire Beauty
M5564
The sparkling, cobalt blue petals of the Dutch Iris ‘Sapphire Beauty’ are embellished by a contrasting golden stripe. The jewel-like flowers are borne above delicate foliage, allowing showy blooms to be displayed to full advantage. This precious gem is one of the best Dutch Iris varieties, treasured for its large petals, intense colour, and vigorous growth. The reliable bulbs thrive on well-drained soil in a sunny position, perfect for rockeries and south-facing borders. Renowned for its long vase life, ‘Sapphire Beauty’ makes a splendid cut flower, adding luxurious depth to your floral arrangements and bouquets.
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Carnaby
M6452
With standards of dusky pink French silk and falls of draping mulberry velvet, Iris ‘Carnaby’ is a captivating sensation. Spires of plump, pointed buds burst into broad blooms, gradually opening from the base upwards. The voluptuous, billowing petals form flouncing silhouettes against sword-shaped, semi evergreen foliage. Fuzzy, tangerine ‘beards’ at the centre of each flower give the Bearded Iris its name and are packed with pollen, enticing a multitude of pollinators to your garden. Thriving on free-draining soil in a sunny position, ‘Carnaby’ will be a welcome addition to herbaceous borders, patios, and along south-facing walls for a floriferous display.
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Unguicularis
M5661
A welcome sight in the depths of winter, Iris ‘Unguicularis’ generously provides beautiful flowers from November to March. With delicate petals like butterfly wings, the lavender-blue blooms flutter above lance-shaped, evergreen foliage. Brightening bare borders and containers, this variety delivers a dash of colour when it is needed most. The blooms radiate a soft, sweet scent – capitalise on this fragrance by positioning near frequented walkways. ‘Unguicularis’ is native to a dry climate and thrives in light, free-draining soil with a south-facing aspect. Snip the pretty, perfumed blooms as fresh cut flowers to relish some floral joy indoors during the winter months.
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Foggy Dew
M6434
Like the lavender mist which floats above the ground on a spring morning, Iris ‘Foggy Dew’ brings a veil of hazy, indistinct colour which shimmers in the dawn light. This serene variety is a bicolour blend of milky white petals, stained by violet streaking and edged with lilac-blue. The upright standards are heavily frilled and crimped, with loosely waved, flaring falls. At the centre of each bloom is a soft gold ‘beard’, luring bees and butterflies to gather the plentiful pollen and feast on honeyed nectar. This variety has a sweet fragrance, filling the air with soothing scent.
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Strong Gold
M5644
Dutch Iris Strong Gold
Golden-yellow flowers with a yellow-orange blotch on the the falls.
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Valentine
M5640
Whilst the rhyme for Valentine’s Day mentions red roses and blue violets, the velvety, purple-indigo blooms of Dutch Iris ‘Valentine’ are sure to win your heart. The magnificent indigo colouring is brightened by a dash of contrasting gold, framed against narrow, reed-like foliage. Like a mischievous Cupid, this variety has angelic form, with tall upper petals reaching towards the heavens and lower petals (known as ‘falls’) outspread like wings. This distinctive shape complements a range of other spring-summer blooms such as alliums and camassia, providing versatile variety for your borders and floral arrangements.
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Langport Wren
M6468
Like a glass of full-bodied claret, the intense blackberry-burgundy blooms of Iris ‘Langport Wren’ are to be deliberately savoured. An outstanding intermediate-blooming type belonging to the Langport series, this Bearded Iris has an extraordinary, musky scent of dark chocolate orange. The ebony-purple blooms are a perfect foil to paler palettes and harmonise beautifully with rich, velvety colour schemes. Thriving in a hot, sunny location on well-drained soil, ‘Langport Wren’ makes a dramatic addition to herbaceous borders and large containers. This vigorous variety produces an abundance of flowers, and readily forms a clump which will increase in size and magnificence each year.
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Lemon Ice
M6454
Iris Bearded Lemon Ice.
Pale creamy-yellow standards, falls also creamy-yellow at edge merging with white centre and yellow beard.
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White van Vliet
M5567
Dutch Iris White van Vliet.
A superb variety. Standards white with violet gloss, falls ivory-white with golden yellow blotch.
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Rajah
M6456
Iris ‘Rajah’ is an unapologetic display of lavish colour, with blooms that will stop you in your tracks. Like a Sultan’s sumptuous turban cut from raw silk and velvet, this majestic variety conjures all the luxurious opulence of a Rajah’s palace. Rich, oxblood falls are shot with bronze veining and speckled with cinnamon flecks, culminating in a standard resembling a golden crown. The splendid appearance of this Bearded Iris is further enhanced by an accompanying heady perfume of spiced vanilla. Plant in bold drifts amongst your herbaceous borders where ‘Rajah’ will steal the show from late spring to early summer.
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Raspberry Blush
M6437
Iris Bearded Raspberry Blush.
Raspberry-pink suffused blooms with mauve on falls, with an orange beard.
RHS Award of Garden Merit Mark.