Iris Hollandica 'Lion King'

Overview

Iris Hollandica 'Lion King': The Regal Bronze Bicolour

Iris Hollandica 'Lion King' is a striking and unusually coloured variety that brings a touch of the exotic to the late spring garden. Far removed from the traditional blues and whites of standard Dutch Irises, 'Lion King' boasts a moody, sophisticated palette: the upright standards are a warm, coppery-purple to bronze, while the falls are a deep golden yellow, heavily veined and edged with bronze. This dramatic colour combination allows it to stand out vividly against green foliage and contrasts beautifully with purple Alliums. Renowned for its strong, straight stems and long vase life, this variety is a top-tier choice for cut flower arrangements, offering a "designer" look that is rarely found in supermarket bouquets.

Key Features

• Exotic Colour Palette: Features a unique, high-contrast mix of coppery-brown, violet, and rich gold. It provides a warm, earthy tone that works exceptionally well in "hot" colour borders.

• Florist Quality: Like its Dutch Iris relatives, 'Lion King' produces long, stiff stems that are perfect for cutting. The blooms are durable and long-lasting in a vase.

• Vertical Accent: The upright, slender growth habit adds architectural height to flower beds without overcrowding neighbouring plants, making it excellent for interplanting.

• Late Season Bloom: Flowering in late May and June, it bridges the gap between the end of the tulip season and the start of the main summer perennials.

Gardener's Tip

To truly capture the "wild" beauty of 'Lion King', plant them in full sun alongside purple perennials. A fantastic companion planting strategy is to nestle these bulbs amongst purple Salvia or Allium 'Purple Sensation'. The coppery-orange tones of the Iris vibrate intensely against the deep purples, creating a professional landscape look. As with all Dutch Irises, ensure the soil is well-drained; if your soil is heavy clay, add grit to the planting hole to prevent the bulbs from rotting during winter wetness.

Specifications