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  • 'I' > IRIS >
    IRIS
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    IRIS   IRIS   IRIS   IRIS   ACTINIDIA kolomikta and IRIS
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. ACTINIDIA kolomikta and IRIS
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. Crocosmia, Iris, Veronica
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    >

    IRIS

    Named from the Greek for rainbow. It symbolises life and resurrection. It is also thought that the French fleur-de-lys is a representation of this flower.

    Genus of about 300 species of upright rhizomatous or bulbous perennials from a wide range of habitats in the northern hemisphere.

    Rhizomatous irises have stout rootstocks on or very close to the surface. Bearded irises have rootstocks on the surface, beardless have them just under the surface. The bulbous irises, which also have fleshy roots, fall into 3 groups, Reticulata, Juno and Xiphium.

    Water irises (Laevigata) thrive in damp places and include the UK native I. pseudacorus, the yellow flag.

    Our other native, I. foetidissima, stinking iris (curious rather than stinking) or gladdon, with its bright orange seeds, is a dull blue or buff-yellow flower of hedgebanks, damp woods and sea cliffs.

    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
    • Good to know
      Grown for the colourful, sometimes spectacular flowers.
    • Place of origin
      Northern hemisphere.
    • Youtube video
    • Deciduous
    • Fully hardy
    • Bulb/Corm or rhizomatous perennial
      Rhizomatous or bulbous perennials
    • Herbaceous
      Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.
    • harmful if eaten
      People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents
    • skin irritant
      People
    • Rabbit Resistant
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Iris - Growing Guide

    Varieties

    IRIS ensata
    Japanese water iris
    (kaempferi) - Water iris - shades pink-purple
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available again from March 2025
    New stock in early spring.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    IRIS 'Jane Phillips'
    Pale blue bearded iris
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    IRIS pallida 'Variegata'
    Great purple flag
    Leaves variegated gold and cream
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    IRIS sibirica 'Blue King'
    Siberian flag
    Clear blue
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    IRIS sibirica 'Butter and Sugar'
    Unusual, subtle colour break. Creamy-white standards and pale yellow falls
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available again from APRIL 2025
    When fresh stock arrives
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    IRIS sibirica 'Perry's Blue'
    Siberian flag
    Pale blue
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available again from APRIL 2025
    When fresh stock arrives
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    IRIS sibirica 'Ruffled Velvet'
    Siberian flag
    Ruffled purple flowers with a veined yellow blotch at the base
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available Early Spring 2025
    Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    IRIS sibirica 'Snow Queen'
    Siberian flag
    White
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available again from March 2025
    New stock in early spring.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    IRIS unguicularis
    (syn. stylosa) - clear blue winter flowering iris
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.50
    Available again from March 2025
    New stock in early spring.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order

    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries. It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
    200g sachet
    £8.50
    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g
    £6.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
    1 ltr
    £8.50
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