Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby'
iris
This pond plant is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Depth of water: 0-10cm (0-4in)
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
'Gerald Darby' stands tall as a rhizomatous perennial well suited to boggy to wet soils. Its arching, narrow leaves are adorned with a captivating purple hue at the base, transitioning into vibrant green strappy foliage. Come late spring and early summer, the purplish stems of this iris variety bear clusters of exquisite violet-purple flowers, each marked with whitish falls at the base complemented by a golden flash and intricate dark veins. Thriving in various conditions, from shallow water to heavy, moisture-retentive soil, this beautiful iris adds a touch of elegance to boggy areas and pond margins.
These plants are potted up (using a suitable aquatic compost) into aquatic pots. These pots are made of a fine mesh, which allows water to circulate through the compost, providing the plants with both oxygen and nutrients. If you are using them as a aquatic plant, they can be planted into neutral to acidic soil (for best results) up to a water covering of 10cm (4") deep. Little maintenance is required - cut back flowering stalks after flowering. Do not allow to dry out.