Introducing...
Border irises
This is a large group of hardy perennials which includes Siberian irises and bearded irises. They are popular in both traditional and modern garden design. With a wide colour range (apart from a clear red), they add real style to the border.
Looks
Flowers of bearded iris can be blue, yellow, white, pink, maroon, or orange; whereas Siberian irises are available in violets, blues and creamy yellows. Bearded iris's blade-like leaves emerge from a thick, horizontal root (actually a stem called a rhizome) in spring. Other species have greener, generally upright leaves.
Likes
Border irises do well in any soil that drains freely in a position in full sun.
Dislikes
These irises dislike very wet soil. Congestion can inhibit flowering, so dig up and divide plants every few years to give them the space they need.
Did you know?
After a hot summer, some irises flower for a second time.
Growing guide
How to grow border irises
All the information you'll need to grow and care for border irises in your garden.
Border irises we recommend
Iris 'Raspberry Blush' (IB)
iris 'Raspberry Blush'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Iris 'Jane Phillips' (TB)
iris 'Jane Phillips'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Iris 'Raspberry Blush' (IB)
iris 'Raspberry Blush'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Iris 'Jane Phillips' (TB)
iris 'Jane Phillips'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Iris diseases
Irises: dividing
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Get involved
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