Iris x hollandica Red Ember

Smouldering with rich jewel-like colour, Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember' is one of the most distinctive Dutch Irises available, producing elegant blooms in sumptuous shades of deep red-maroon, plum-purple and burnished copper.

The beautifully formed flowers combine velvety upper petals in rich wine-red and plum tones with broad lower petals washed in warm copper-brown and mahogany hues. Intricate purple veining radiates from a brilliant golden-yellow signal at the centre of each fall, creating a striking contrast that gives every flower remarkable depth and character.

Held on tall, graceful stems above neat sword-like foliage, the flowers bring architectural elegance to sunny borders while their unusual colouring blends beautifully with ornamental grasses, alliums, peonies and late spring perennials. Dutch Irises have long been celebrated for their outstanding vase life, and 'Red Ember' is exceptional as a cut flower, where its luxurious colours add warmth and sophistication to floral arrangements.

Easy to grow and wonderfully reliable, Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember' flowers freely each year in sunny, well-drained borders, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something a little more unusual than the traditional blue Dutch Iris.

A truly spectacular variety whose glowing ember-like tones provide one of the richest colour displays of the early summer garden.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Dutch Iris bulbs in autumn, ideally between September and November, while the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Dutch Irises thrive in borders, gravel gardens and cutting gardens where they receive plenty of sunlight.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs about 10 cm (4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils with grit or sharp sand to improve drainage. Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Once established, Dutch Irises need very little additional watering except during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser after flowering to encourage strong bulbs for the following year.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed where possible to establish larger clumps over time.

Top Tip:
Plant alongside apricot geums, bronze fennel, deep purple alliums or silver-leaved perennials to enhance the glowing red, copper and plum tones of the flowers.

Plant Details

Smouldering with rich jewel-like colour, Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember' is one of the most distinctive Dutch Irises available, producing elegant blooms in sumptuous shades of deep red-maroon, plum-purple and burnished copper.

The beautifully formed flowers combine velvety upper petals in rich wine-red and plum tones with broad lower petals washed in warm copper-brown and mahogany hues. Intricate purple veining radiates from a brilliant golden-yellow signal at the centre of each fall, creating a striking contrast that gives every flower remarkable depth and character.

Held on tall, graceful stems above neat sword-like foliage, the flowers bring architectural elegance to sunny borders while their unusual colouring blends beautifully with ornamental grasses, alliums, peonies and late spring perennials. Dutch Irises have long been celebrated for their outstanding vase life, and 'Red Ember' is exceptional as a cut flower, where its luxurious colours add warmth and sophistication to floral arrangements.

Easy to grow and wonderfully reliable, Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember' flowers freely each year in sunny, well-drained borders, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something a little more unusual than the traditional blue Dutch Iris.

A truly spectacular variety whose glowing ember-like tones provide one of the richest colour displays of the early summer garden.