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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris clarkei

Clarke's iris

A clump-forming, upright perennial, to around 60cm high in flower, with narrowly sword-shaped, grey-green leaves. Flowers are purple or blue, with white patches at the base, and are borne on branching stems in late spring

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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
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple White Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Unresolved

Plant range
Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a sunny position, in moist but well-drained, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil. Will tolerate some dappled shade, though they flower best in full sun. Divide every three to five years to maintain vigour

Propagation

Propagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice

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

Remove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases

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