Iris spuria (Blue iris)

Botanical name

Iris spuria

Other names

Blue iris, Spurious iris

Genus

Iris Iris

Species

I. spuria - I. spuria is a variable, vigorous, clump-forming, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with erect, broadly linear, grey-green leaves and branching stems bearing blue, yellow, or white flowers in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect flower stem

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.

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Colour

Flower

Blue, White, Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails , Thrips

General care

Pruning

Cut down spent flower stems. Remove dead foliage in autumn.

Propagation

Divide rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn. Divide and replant every three years.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Iris spuria (Blue iris) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Best in dry, stony soil at the base of a sunny wall. Will tolerate some moisture and light shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, 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 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Iris spuria (Blue 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 spuria (Blue 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/