Iris 'Dusky Challenger'
bearded iris
A real showstopper this. A stately, bearded iris with huge, ruffled iridescent, purple-blue blooms on strong stems that...
2 litre pot
£22.99
available to order from summer
3 × 2 litre pots
£59.99
£68.97
available to order from summer
1
Dark-purple frilled flowers with black beards on a stately stem that’s almost top-heavy with flower and there’s a unique chocolate scent too
Plant description
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.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Iris Dusky Challenger:
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 uppermost third of the leaves to protect against wind-rock. In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early 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.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
