Iris 'Benton Lorna'
bearded iris
Elegant and lightly scented, this striking iris brings a soft, painterly colour combination to late spring and early summer borders. Its slender grey-green leaves form neat fans, rising to around 1m (3ft) and carrying ruffled flowers with pale lavender-pink standards above creamy falls edged in pansy violet and finished with a golden yellow beard.
The blooms have a refined, slightly old-fashioned character that works particularly well in sunny mixed borders, cottage-style planting or as a focal point among lower-growing perennials.
A rhizomatous perennial, Iris 'Benton Lorna' was bred by British artist and iris enthusiast Sir Cedric Morris, adding a little horticultural history to its good looks.
The blooms have a refined, slightly old-fashioned character that works particularly well in sunny mixed borders, cottage-style planting or as a focal point among lower-growing perennials.
A rhizomatous perennial, Iris 'Benton Lorna' was bred by British artist and iris enthusiast Sir Cedric Morris, adding a little horticultural history to its good looks.
How to care for Iris Benton Lorna:
Plant out as soon as possible after they arrive, shallowly with the upper part of the rhizome sitting on the surface of the soil, incorporating a low nitrogen fertiliser in the planting hole. After planting remove the uppermost third of the leaves to protect against wind rock.
In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. Remove the stems after flowering from the base as this will concentrate the plant's energy into producing new rhizomes. Divide and replant about every three years.
In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. Remove the stems after flowering from the base as this will concentrate the plant's energy into producing new rhizomes. Divide and replant about every three years.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
