Iris setosa
bristle-pointed iris
An herbaceous perennial to 90cm in height, the mid-green leaves with a prominent midrib. Flowers 6-9cm in width, bluish-purple, with minute standards and large, rounded falls
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- N America, E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly acid loam in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering. Tall varieties can have their leaf fans trimmed to one third of the total height to reduce wind rock while the plants are establishing
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.