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Purple bearded iris in full bloom in a sunny gardenPerennials

Iris germanica

Bearded Iris

bearded irisdrought-tolerantcut flowerformal gardenspring bloom

The bearded iris is a stately perennial with sword-shaped grey-green leaves and elegant, multi-coloured flowers. In May and June, striking blooms appear in purple, blue, or yellow, often with a characteristic 'beard' on the drooping petals. The plant is perfect for formal borders or along pathways.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–100 cm
Spread
30–50 cm
Hardiness zone
3–9
Family
Iridaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple, blue, yellow
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. The rhizome should sit partially above soil level. Water sparingly — wet feet are fatal. Apply a light, low-nitrogen feed in spring.

Pruning tips

Remove spent flower stems immediately after blooming. Trim damaged or yellowing foliage in summer. Cut leaves back to a fan of about 15 cm in autumn. Divide rhizomes every three to four years after flowering.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Soft blue catmint flower plumes along a garden pathPerennials

Nepeta × faassenii

Catmint

Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.

Full sunLow30–45 cm
Purple-blue flower spikes of woodland sage in a sunny borderPerennials

Salvia nemorosa

Woodland Sage

Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.

Full sunLow30–60 cm