Iris x robusta ‘Gerald Darby’

Iris x robusta ‘Gerald Darby’ is a rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of narrow, arching, sword-shaped leaves stained purple at their base. In late spring to early summer, unbranched purplish stems boasting 3-4 violet-blue flowers adorned with deep yellow signals on mostly white falls. Very handsome in and out of bloom, Gerald Darby is a central landscape plant for the water garden, near ponds and streams. This marginal aquatic plant is also a lovely addition to moist borders.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm). Clumps will spread steadily over time.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. This iris may be grown in up to 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) of shallow standing water.
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails, iris borer and iris thrips, gray mold, rots, and viruses. Deer resistant.
• Remove any dying foliage, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
• Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.