PerennialsIris germanica
Bearded Iris
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.
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
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
ShrubsLavandula 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.
PerennialsNepeta × 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.
PerennialsSalvia 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.