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Plant Finder Tool

perennial

Earl Of Essex Iris

Iris 'Earl Of Essex'

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Earl Of Essex Iris (Iris 'Earl Of Essex') at Rainbow Gardens

Earl Of Essex Iris flowers

Earl Of Essex Iris flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  20 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spacing:  18 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Group/Class:  Tall Bearded

Brand:  Walters Gardens

Description:

This elegant plicata iris produces deep violet blooms with white blazes and yellow-gold beards; a stunning addition to the perennial border; also excellent massed in groupings in the garden; will quickly form dense colonies

Ornamental Features

Earl Of Essex Iris has masses of beautiful violet flag-like flowers with white falls at the ends of the stems in late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its sword-like leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Earl Of Essex Iris is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

Earl Of Essex Iris is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Earl Of Essex Iris will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 20 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Plant Form 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.