Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' is an elegant and unusual Dutch Iris producing beautiful pinkish-lilac flowers with a distinctive golden yellow flash at the base of each fall. Flowering on tall, slender stems in June, it brings soft colour and architectural form to borders while also making an excellent cut flower.

The flowers combine shades of lavender, pink and soft violet, with fine darker veining across the broad falls. Their vivid golden markings provide a striking contrast. Narrow, upright green foliage complements the flowers without taking up much space, making 'Pink Panther' particularly useful for planting amongst established perennials.

• Botanical name: Iris × hollandica 'Pink Panther'
• Common name: Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther'
• Plant type: Bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: Pink-lilac with golden yellow markings
• Flowering time: June
• Height: Approximately 60cm
• Spread: Approximately 10-15cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Ideal for: Borders, cutting gardens and containers
• Cut flowers: Excellent

About Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther'

'Pink Panther' belongs to the Dutch Iris group, a collection of reliable bulbous Irises grown for their graceful flowers and long, strong stems. They bloom later than many familiar spring bulbs, providing useful colour as the garden moves into early summer.

This variety stands out for its sophisticated colouring. The flowers are difficult to describe with a single colour, blending pink, lavender and lilac-purple tones. Each broad fall carries a conspicuous golden yellow signal, creating a vibrant focal point at the centre of the flower.

Flowers in June

Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' normally flowers in June, producing its blooms on upright stems approximately 60cm tall. This makes it useful for filling the gap between the main spring bulb display and summer-flowering perennials.

For the strongest effect, plant the bulbs in groups rather than individually. A drift of 'Pink Panther' creates a particularly attractive combination of soft pastel flowers and bright golden markings.

Where to Plant Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther'

Choose a position in full sun with well-drained soil. Dutch Irises perform best where the bulbs are not left sitting in wet ground, particularly during their dormant period.

They work well through mixed borders, cottage gardens and dedicated cutting beds. Their narrow growth also makes them easy to plant between established perennials without competing for large amounts of space.

Planting Dutch Iris Bulbs

Plant 'Pink Panther' bulbs in autumn at a depth of approximately 8-10cm, spacing them around 10cm apart. Groups of five or more bulbs usually create a more natural and impressive display than isolated plants.

If your garden has heavy clay soil, improve the planting area with grit or other free-draining material. Raised beds and containers are also good choices where winter drainage is difficult.

Height and Spread

Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' grows to approximately 60cm tall when in flower, with an individual spread of around 10-15cm. Its upright habit means it provides plenty of height without occupying much ground space.

The narrow leaves and stems allow other plants to grow around the bulbs, making Dutch Irises particularly useful for adding seasonal colour to an established border.

Excellent for Cut Flowers

One of the great strengths of Dutch Irises is their suitability for cutting. 'Pink Panther' produces long, elegant stems that work beautifully in both mixed arrangements and simple displays.

For the best vase life, cut stems when the flower buds are developed and beginning to show colour. The blooms will continue to open indoors, revealing their distinctive pink-lilac petals and golden markings.

Growing in Containers

Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' can also be grown in pots. Use a container with good drainage and fill it with a free-draining compost. Several bulbs can be planted together to produce a concentrated display of flowers in early summer.

Position containers somewhere sunny and avoid allowing the compost to remain permanently waterlogged.

After Flowering

Remove spent flower stems if desired, but leave the foliage to die back naturally. The leaves continue producing energy after flowering and replenish the bulb for the following growing season.

Once the foliage has completely yellowed, it can be removed. In suitable free-draining soil, the bulbs can generally remain in the ground and flower again in subsequent years.

Why Grow Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther'?

• Unusual pink-lilac flowers
• Distinctive golden yellow flash on each fall
• Flowers during June
• Elegant upright habit
• Reaches approximately 60cm tall
• Compact spread of around 10-15cm
• Excellent for mixed borders
• Suitable for containers
• Superb cut flower
• Useful for extending the bulb season into early summer

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' flower?
It flowers in June, providing colour after many traditional spring bulbs have finished.

How tall does 'Pink Panther' grow?
Flowering plants reach approximately 60cm tall.

How wide does it grow?
Individual plants have a relatively narrow spread of approximately 10-15cm.

Does Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' prefer sun or shade?
For the strongest growth and flowering, plant the bulbs in a sunny position.

Can I grow 'Pink Panther' in pots?
Yes. It grows well in containers provided the compost drains freely and the plants receive plenty of sunlight.

Is Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' good for cutting?
Yes. Dutch Irises are excellent cut flowers, and the long stems and unusual colouring of 'Pink Panther' make it particularly attractive in arrangements.

Do Dutch Iris bulbs come back every year?
They are perennial bulbs and can return in subsequent years when grown in a sunny position with good drainage. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the bulbs can replenish their reserves.

With its soft pink-lilac colouring, brilliant golden flashes and elegant 60cm stems, Dutch Iris 'Pink Panther' is a distinctive early-summer Iris for borders, containers and cutting gardens.