This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: reliably moist, moderately fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stunning, deep purple, velvety flowers with gold streaks on the falls appear from May to June above strappy, grey-green leaves. This clump-forming, beardless iris, related to the moisture-loving Siberian iris, makes an eyecatching feature in a boggy area of the garden, or beside water.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure into the planting hole. Do not allow the plant to dry out.