Iris Above The Clouds (Bearded Iris)

Long blooming season! Iris ‘Above The Clouds’ is a vigorous and striking Tall Bearded Iris with heavily ruffled sky blue standards and broad falls contrasting with the delicate creamy-yellow beards.

Award-winning Iris 'Above The Clouds' is a vigorous and striking Tall Bearded Iris with heavily ruffled sky blue standards and broad falls contrasting with the delicate creamy-yellow beards. Rising 36 inches high (90 cm) atop a lovely blue-green sword-shaped foliage, this excellent performer withstands nicely inclement weather.

  • Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
  • Won the Honorable Mention Award in 2003 as an indication of its many fabulous qualities.
  • A profuse bloomer, it produces 2 to 3 branches bearing up to 8-9 buds per stem and will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer over a 3-week period. Please note that bloom times depend very much on the weather.
  • Performs best in full sun in humus-richmedium moisturewell-drained soilsTolerates light shade but best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent rot issues.
  • Grows from creeping rhizomes which store food produced by the sword-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves and form large clumps over time
  • A welcomed addition to herbaceous borderssunny courtyards, or urban gardens where the sword-like foliage and vibrant color will combine harmoniously with the stones and angular hardscaping. Roses also provide a lovely backdrop to this tall variety.
  • The best time to plant bearded irises is July through September. Container-grown iris can be planted in the spring.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris Germanica – Bearded Irises
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage