Iris 'Ruffled Velvet'

Iris 'Ruffled Velvet': Deep Texture, Regal Hue

Saturated with sumptuous colour, Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' lives up to its name with velvety, dark purple petals edged in fine ruffles that catch the light like silk. Each tall stem bears multiple blooms, offering both opulence and stately form in the late spring garden. A classic iris for those drawn to drama and depth.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–95 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, upright and clump-forming
• Flower Colour: Rich royal purple with velvet sheen and ruffled edges
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Grey-green, sword-shaped, deciduous leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil; avoid winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' offers a bold vertical presence in perennial borders, where its dark blooms pair beautifully with lighter tones and fine textures. It's a natural fit for formal plantings, cutting gardens, or focal points in sunny beds. Its regal tone serves as a dramatic foil for paler flowers and grey-green foliage, while its upright form brings architectural structure.

Companion Plants: Highlight the drama of Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' with the spiky contrast of Salvia 'Caradonna'. Introduce the feathery plumes of Deschampsia 'Goldschleier' for a light-catching counterbalance. Finish with Dianthus 'Neon Star', whose vivid magenta flowers provide a punch of brightness and fragrance beneath the iris’s moody blooms.

Care Instructions: Plant rhizomes in full sun with excellent drainage, keeping the top exposed. Water deeply during dry spells and avoid overhead watering. Remove spent blooms to maintain appearance. Divide every 3–4 years to sustain health and promote flowering.

History: Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' is a refined tall bearded iris selected for its rich colour, heavily ruffled petals, and reliable bloom. Its plush texture and noble colouring make it a favourite for collectors and designers alike.

Final Thoughts: Dark, dramatic, and decadently ruffled, Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' is a show-stopper in the spring garden—bringing depth, elegance, and an enduring sense of theatre to sun-drenched borders.