Iris fulva (Tawny iris)

Botanical name

Iris fulva

Other names

Tawny iris, Iris cuprea, Red iris, Copper iris

Genus

Iris Iris

Species

I. fulva - I. fulva is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with strap-shaped, bright green leaves, arching at the leaf tips, and, in late spring, zigzagging stems bearing orange-red to reddish-brown flowers with pendent falls and standards.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Arching

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Reddish-brown, Orange-red in Spring

Foliage

Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Snails , Slugs , Thrips

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Remove faded or dead foliage in autumn. Cut back spent flower stems.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Iris fulva (Tawny iris) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Waterside, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Bog garden, Beds and borders, Aquatic

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist, acid to neutral soil in sun or part shade. Suitable for wet clay. Tolerates partial shade, especially in areas with hot, humid summers. Can be grown in water up to 15cm deep.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Iris fulva (Tawny iris)

Common pest name

Red rice root aphid; Rice root aphid

Scientific pest name

Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Potentially significant glasshouse pest; growers should monitor for its presence. Routine aphid control should be effective in mitigating risk.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Iris fulva (Tawny iris)

Common pest name

common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Frankliniella schultzei

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/