Scientific name: Iris unguicularis
Synonym: Iris stylosa
Family: IRIDACEAE
Common names: “Winter iris” “Algerian iris”
Plant Type: Evergreen rhizomatous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 7-9
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Alkaline – neutral well drained soil, grows well in poor soils, fertile soils will produce more foliage but less flowers
Moisture: Can tolerate dry summers under trees
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 12-18″ W 18-24″
Leaf and Stem shape: tough grass-like leaves
Flower: Six petals alternating upright and drooping, colour can range from deep violet to white, central band of yellow with white flecks on the falls
Pruning: N/A
Maintenance: Groom out dead leaves in fall
Landscape use: Banks and slopes, mixed flower borders, under trees, south facing walls
Propagate: by division, divide rarely in early fall to allow the roots to re-establish in wetter conditions
Pests & Disease: Slugs and snails will eat the flowers, if in poorly drained soil can get rot and grey mold
*Deer & Rabbit resistant
Comments: Strong fragrance, leaves and buds frost resistant but not the flowers, contains toxic substance which can cause severe discomfort if ingested
Cultivars:
Iris unguicularis ‘Mary Barnard’ ~AGM winner
Iris unguicularis ‘Abington Purple’
