Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' typically starts flowering in late April or early May.
iris
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' is a stunning bulbous perennial with beautiful lavender-blue petals. It is a hardy plant that grows best in sites with full sun and well-drained soil. Its long lasting, fan-shaped flowers typically bloom in mid-spring, providing an incredible display of vibrant color. This variety was named after the British botanist, Katharine Hodgkin. Its leaves are sword shaped and grey-green in color, and its elegantly veined petals make it a desirable choice for any flower bed. It's an excellent garden addition that can add color and beauty to any outdoor living space.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Pale blue with deeper veins Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow,purple
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
High
watering
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' should be watered deeply and regularly during the growing season (from late spring to summer) to ensure it thrives. Depending on the climate and soil condition, water once or twice a week. Make sure to water until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are moist, and don’t let the soil dry out. Once the leaves become golden brown and wilted, this is a sign of overwatering or under-watering, so adjust accordingly. In areas with hotter climates, water 2 to 3 times a week, giving it enough water to reach a depth of 6 to 8 inches. In the cooler climates, 1 deep watering per week is usually sufficient. During the winter months, water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry fully between waterings.
sunlight
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' plants require full sun in order to thrive. The best time to give them sunlight is during the brightest hours of the day, usually between 10am and 4pm. During these hours, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, ideally 8 or more hours for maximum growth. Depending on the location and the season, it may be beneficial to provide the plants with light into the later hours of the day to ensure they are getting the full sun required for optimal growth.
pruning
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' should be pruned in late winter to early spring, before active growth begins. Prune off any dead, diseased, or broken stems at the base of the plant. Cut back the foliage to a height of 8-10 inches, leaving 2 or 3 healthy buds visible on the remaining stem. The blooms of the 'Katharine Hodgkin' iris tend to be short-lived, so it is best to remove faded, damaged, or misshaped blooms as soon as possible during the blooming season.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is the Bearded Iris a popular garden plant?
Yes, the Bearded Iris is a popular garden plant. Its beautiful, showy blooms come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, blue, and white. Its robust, rhizomatous root system makes it an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance garden addition. The Iris grows best in soils with good drainage and full sun, and does not require frequent watering. The Bearded Iris is also deer and rabbit resistant and can add a great pop of color to any garden.
Are Bearded Iris plants easy to grow?
Bearded Iris plants are surprisingly easy to grow and are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. These plants need minimal care when established and once they’re planted they require little more than occasional watering and seasonal pruning. As long as they’re grown in well-drained soil and kept in full sun, they should thrive and bloom every spring. For those looking for a low-maintenance, easy-care flower, bearded irises are an excellent choice.
Can Bearded Iris be grown in a variety of soils?
Yes, Bearded Iris can be grown in a variety of soils. As long as there is adequate drainage, Bearded Iris will grow in any soil type including clay, sand, loam and silt. The soil should also be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6 to 7. To maximize the health and well-being of the plant, fertilizer and compost should also be mixed into the soil. Additionally, Bearded Iris require several inches of organic mulch for insulation and moisture retention. With the right conditions and care, Bearded Iris will produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors.
Do Bearded Iris require full sun?
Yes, Bearded Iris do require full sun. Though they can tolerate partial shade, for best results the plants should receive about 6-8 hours of full sun each day. In addition to providing adequate sunlight, soil should be light and well-drained and water should be kept moderately moist. As an added bonus, full sun exposure helps to keep the foliage dry and minimize the potential for diseases.
Is the Bearded Iris fragrance?
The Bearded Iris fragrance is actually a type of flower known as the Iris Germanica. It has a subtle, pleasant smell that is reminiscent of irises. This flower is often used in perfume and soap-making, contributing to lighter, more subtle fragrances. The Bearded Iris can also be found in various arrangements, lending its unique scent and beauty to interior decor.
should Iris grow in spring or fall?
Iris plants should be grown in the spring. This is the best time of year to plant them as the days are beginning to warm up and there is adequate rainfall. They are able to grow roots before the soil temperatures become too hot or cold. Depending on the United States plant hardiness zone, Irises should be planted in late winter through early spring. Also, since they are heavy feeders they will benefit from having access to nutrients and moisture during the spring season.
Is the Iris a Perennial?
Yes, the Iris is an herbaceous perennial. This means it dies down to ground level each year but returns with new growth in the springtime. Furthermore, some species may naturalize and spread over time in favorable conditions. Irises can be found in a variety of colors and forms, from large and tall flower spikes on Bearded Irises to delicate blooms atop the Japanese Iris. The Iris is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can bring a beautiful array to any garden.
Are Irises suitable for container gardening?
Yes, Irises are suitable for container gardening. They do very well in well-draining soil and require full to partial sun exposure. When growing them in containers, make sure the containers are wide enough to accommodate their roots and they are planted in a soil mix with some organic material such as compost or peat moss. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist and water when the soil dries out slightly. Be sure to fertilize the irises with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season for best results.
