This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Descendant of the award-winning Iris ‘Riverboat Blues’, 'Metolius Blues' has pure sapphire blue flowers with ruffling aplenty and is flushed with white and pale yellow. In flower from May to June, this beautiful blue bloomer has sword-like grey-green foliage and looks perfect in sunny borders or cut flower gardens!
  
  
• Garden care: 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 cut and remove the uppermost third of the leaves with secateurs to protect against wind-rock. In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. The rhizome is a food storage unit, removing the spent flowering stems at the base will allow the plant to store up energy for the following season. Once established, divide and replant the rhizomes on a three-year cycle.