Iris korolkowii
Korolkov iris
A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, 40-60cm high, with narrow, glaucous leaves and creamy-white flowers with maroon-brown veins on both standards and falls, maroon-brown blotches on the falls, and inconspicuous yellow beards, in early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue | Cream Brown Purple Red Yellow White | Green Blue | |
| Autumn | Green Blue | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil, in full sun, and with the top surfaces of the rhizomes exposed so that they get baked in summer sun, which encourages flowering; best grown in a bulb frame in containers using gritty, free-draining compost, and kept dry during late summer and winter; may be grown outside in a well-drained sunny site on a bank or in front of a sunny wall, if given protection from heavy winter rain
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division of rhizomes after flowering; for more advice, see dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove old flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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