Iris unguicularis
Garden Plant Information

Iris unguicularis

 

Iris unguicularis - close-up

 

Name

Iris unguicularis (also called Algerian iris or Iris stylosa)

Genus  

Iris

Species

unguicularis

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Evergreen, fragrant, winter flowering rhizomatus beardless iris.

Season of interest

Purple flowers with yellow markings in winter.

Key horticultural features

  1. Upright habit. Up to 20cm high and can spread indefinitely.

  2. Narrow, mid-green strap-like leaves grow upright from the base of a fan shaped clump.

  3. Flowers – almost stemless, scented lilac/purple with yellow centres.

  4. Rhizomes sit at soil surface level and need baking in summer sun.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun as rhizomes benefit from baking in summer sun. Prefers a sheltered site against a south or west facing wall.

Soil

Well drained, light.

Hardiness

Plants are hardy but flowers may suffer in heavy frost.

Maintenance

Flowers are prone to slug attack so may need protecting.

Propagation

By division of rhizomes in late summer or by seed in autumn.