English iris
Iris latifolia
USDA zones5 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue, yellow, purple, white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
English iris (Iris latifolia) is a bulb for borders, rock gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Each set of bracts holds 2 violet blue flowers with a central yellow patch. Plants bloom in early to late spring and again in early to late summer, and they stay low maintenance.
Pairs well with Meadowsweet, Karl Foerster feather reed grass, and Amsonia.
Native range
NW Spain & Pyrenees.