Iris 'Dusky Challenger'

bearded iris

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  A real showstopper this. A stately, bearded iris with huge, ruffled iridescent, purple-blue blooms on strong stems that appear in early summer, each stem carrying up to 13 buds. This is one of the best dark purple-blue irises and looks stunning with other blue and purple flowering plants. Try it dotted around a gravel garden, or in groups in a herbaceous border.

• Garden care: Bearded irises prefer full sun and neutral-alkaline soil but if you have acidic or peaty soils you can top dress with lime before planting for good results. Plant shallowly with the upper part of the rhizome sitting on the surface of the soil, incorporating a low nitrogen fertiliser in the planting hole. After planting remove the upper-most third of the leaves to protect against wind-rock. In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. Divide and replant about every three years.