Iris ‘Cruella’
Iris ‘Cruella’ is a striking and flamboyant bearded iris that commands attention with its bold, bicoloured blooms. With deep, velvety maroon falls and bright white standards, this dramatic perennial adds elegance and theatre to sunny borders in late spring and early summer.
At a Glance
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Common Name: Bearded iris
Flower Colour: White standards with deep maroon-purple falls
Height: 50cm (1.6ft)
Spread: 50cm (1.6f)
Flowering Time: May to June
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H7)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
Bold and Beautiful Blooms
‘Cruella’ is known for its dazzling, two-tone flowers that offer high contrast and striking form. The upright white standards (the top petals) are crisp and clean, while the drooping maroon falls (lower petals) are luxuriously dark, creating a classic yet dramatic effect. Each bloom is intricately ruffled and stands proudly on tall, elegant stems.
Architectural Foliage and Structure
Even when not in bloom, ‘Cruella’ provides structure to the garden with its sword-like, blue-green foliage. This upright, fan-shaped growth habit adds vertical interest and pairs well with other early summer perennials and ornamental grasses.
Ideal for Sunny Borders and Cut Flowers
This bearded iris thrives in sunny borders, gravel gardens, or cottage-style planting schemes. Its tall, striking stems also make it a superb cut flower, lasting well in arrangements and adding a touch of drama indoors.
Growing Tips
Watering: Water occasionally during dry spells, particularly during the first growing season. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Feeding: Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser in early spring and just after flowering to support strong growth and next year’s blooms.
Pruning: Remove faded flower stems after blooming. Cut back old foliage in autumn to tidy the plant and reduce the risk of disease.
Dividing: Divide clumps every 3–4 years in late summer to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding. Replant rhizomes with the tops exposed to the sun.
Positioning: Needs a sunny, open spot and well-drained soil. Avoid mulching over the rhizomes, as they prefer to be partially exposed to sunlight.
Potted: Yes, Iris ‘Cruella’ can be grown in large pots. Use a loam-based compost mixed with horticultural grit for sharp drainage. Position in full sun and ensure the rhizomes sit just at or slightly above the soil surface. Containers should be raised off the ground to prevent waterlogging in winter.
Hardy and Reliable
With an RHS hardiness rating of H7, Iris ‘Cruella’ is fully hardy across the UK. Once established, it is drought tolerant and easy to care for, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Perfect Companions
Pair Iris ‘Cruella’ with:
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Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ – to soften the base of the iris with airy blue flowers
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Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ – for rounded contrast and similar flowering time
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Achillea ‘Terracotta’ – for warm-toned contrast in form and colour
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Lavandula angustifolia – to add scent and silvery foliage
Why Choose Iris ‘Cruella’?
Iris ‘Cruella’ offers show-stopping blooms, elegant structure, and easy maintenance. Perfect for adding late spring drama to borders or containers, it also supports pollinators and makes a fabulous cut flower.
Plant Iris ‘Cruella’ for bold contrast, graceful form, and a stunning early summer display that returns year after year with very little effort.
Buying Perennials from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our perennials after flowering and trim them back at the end of the season to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy perennials, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
From late autumn onwards and dependent on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Perennials are described and classified differently by different gardeners but all would agree that they are plants that come into flower every year from early spring to late summer, the exact time dependent on variety and most die back to ground level in autumn and winter.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
Always check eventual plant heights when planning borders to ensure that the taller plants are at the back (or at the centre of an island bed) followed by the medium and then smaller low growing plants.
Remember to deadhead perennials after flowering, trim back lightly in autumn as required to tidy the border and if necessary trim again in spring once the risk of heavy frost has passed.
If perennials get too big, start to flower less and less or if it seems to be dying off from the centre, consider dividing the plant but always check that the particular variety is happy to be divided and that you divide at the right time of year for the plant.
By using this simple guide and a little time, perennials can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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