Iris Tigereye

Iris ‘Tigereye’ is a real showstopper, bringing bold colour and striking detail to the late spring and early summer garden. Its beautifully ruffled blooms feature warm golden-yellow tones with rich, tiger-like markings and deeper amber shading—an eye-catching combination that stands out brilliantly in borders. Like many bearded irises, it’s also lightly fragrant and makes a superb cut flower for a vase indoors.

A brilliant plant for sunny, well-drained spots, Iris ‘Tigereye’ is tough, drought-tolerant once established, and one of those perennials that actually performs better when it isn’t fussed over. Bearded irises store energy in their rhizomes (thick, surface-growing stems), which is why they prefer to sit close to the soil surface and bask in the sun. Over time, clumps expand and can be lifted and divided to keep them flowering strongly year after year—so you get more plants and more blooms with very little effort.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare root rhizomes in late summer to early autumn for best results, or in spring if needed, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Bearded irises thrive in full sun and dislike sitting in wet ground. Ideal for mixed borders, gravel gardens, raised beds and the front of borders where the rhizomes can stay warm and dry.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the rhizome is just at the surface (or barely covered) with the roots spread out below—do not bury deeply.
• Spacing: Space 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to allow good air circulation and room to clump up.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils with grit or sharp sand for drainage. Avoid rich, water-holding composts that can encourage rot.

Watering:
Water in after planting, then keep watering light. Once established, Iris is drought tolerant and prefers drier conditions—only water during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove faded flowers to keep plants tidy and help direct energy back into the rhizome.
• In late summer, trim leaves into a neat fan and remove any damaged foliage.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years after flowering to maintain vigour and keep blooms coming.

Top Tip:
For the best flowering, make sure the rhizomes get plenty of sunlight. If planting in groups, angle rhizomes so the fans face the same way—this encourages a tidy clump and makes dividing easier later on.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

May - June (can vary slightly by season)

Height:
24–32" (60–80cm)

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial