Iris 'Purplelicious'
Siberian iris
A real mood-booster for early summer borders, this compact, clump-forming perennial brings strong vertical structure with neat fans of sword-shaped, grey-green leaves and upright stems topped with rich, velvety blooms.
From late spring into early summer, the flowers open in deep purple shades, layered with darker veining and flashes of indigo at the base of each petal, giving plenty of contrast and depth without overpowering neighbouring plants. The tidy foliage remains understated, making the dramatic flowers the clear star of the show and an excellent choice for cutting too.
Iris ‘Purplelicious’ thrives in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and really comes into its own in sunny borders or beside ponds and streams where the ground doesn’t dry out. It’s an easy-going plant despite its luxurious look, needing little more than a seasonal tidy and the occasional division once clumps mature. Growing to around 75cm (2½ft) tall, it slots beautifully into mixed borders, damp meadows or waterside planting schemes, adding colour, height and a confident splash of early season drama with very little fuss.
From late spring into early summer, the flowers open in deep purple shades, layered with darker veining and flashes of indigo at the base of each petal, giving plenty of contrast and depth without overpowering neighbouring plants. The tidy foliage remains understated, making the dramatic flowers the clear star of the show and an excellent choice for cutting too.
Iris ‘Purplelicious’ thrives in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and really comes into its own in sunny borders or beside ponds and streams where the ground doesn’t dry out. It’s an easy-going plant despite its luxurious look, needing little more than a seasonal tidy and the occasional division once clumps mature. Growing to around 75cm (2½ft) tall, it slots beautifully into mixed borders, damp meadows or waterside planting schemes, adding colour, height and a confident splash of early season drama with very little fuss.
How to care for Iris Purplelicious:
Plant in soil that has been improved with well-rotted manure or garden compost and do not allow to dry out, particularly as the plant is getting established. If grown in a container, it will need dividing and repotting every couple of years in 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.
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:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Aquatic / Reliably damp or boggy
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
