Iris 'Kent Pride'

bearded iris 'Kent Pride'

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Iris spp. 'Kent Pride' is a rhizomatous bearded iris growing 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall, classed among the median to tall bearded irises. It produces fans of sword-shaped, grey-green leaves 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) long from a surface rhizome. In late spring it carries branched stems with several flowers, each 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) across; the upright standards are tan to golden-brown, and the broad, downward falls are chestnut-maroon with a white central blaze and a bronze-yellow rim, marked by a yellow beard. Two to four flowers open in succession on each stem over the bloom period. The leaves persist into autumn, and the rhizome multiplies into a clump that becomes crowded after 3-4 years. Flowering is reduced when rhizomes are shaded, overcrowded, or buried too deeply.

Native Range

A garden cultivar of bearded iris derived from hybrids within the genus Iris spp.. Bearded irises descend from species native to central and southern Europe and the Mediterranean, which grow on dry, sunny, rocky slopes. The cultivar does not occur in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Planted in sunny borders, dry gardens, and along path edges at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing, with rhizomes set at the soil surface. Used in mixed perennial plantings for late-spring flower color. Foliage remains after bloom but adds little flower interest for the rest of the season.

How to Identify

Identified by chestnut-maroon falls with a white central blaze and bronze-yellow rim beneath tan to golden-brown standards, with a yellow beard, on stems 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall. Flowers are 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) across. The two-tone brown-and-maroon coloring separates 'Kent Pride' from self-colored bearded Iris spp. cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers in late spring, from May into June in most regions, with each clump blooming over 2-3 weeks. Individual flowers last 2-4 days, and several open in succession on each branched stem. A second autumn bloom does not occur in this cultivar.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Tan-brown standards with chestnut-maroon falls and white blaze

Foliage Description

Grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with the top of the rhizome left exposed at the surface. Performs poorly in shade and in wet or heavy soils, where rhizomes rot. Water during dry spells in the first season and during bud development; established plants tolerate drought. Lift and divide congested clumps in mid to late summer every 3-4 years to maintain flowering. Iris borer and bacterial soft rot affect crowded, poorly drained plantings. Foliage can be left until it browns in autumn.

Pruning

Cut flowered stems to the base after bloom. Trim damaged or browned leaves through the season, and cut foliage back to a fan about 6 inches (15 cm) tall when dividing in summer. Remove dead foliage in autumn to reduce overwintering pests.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall