Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris)
Stinking Iris, Blue Seggin, Gladden, Gladdon, Gladwin, Gladwyn, Roast Beef Plant, Scarlet-Seeded Iris, Stinking Gladwin, Stinking Gladwyn, Coral Iris
Noted for its terrific foliage and showy fruit, Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris) is an evergreen perennial with small, pale lavender, yellow-tinged, beardless flowers in late spring. Rising atop upright stems, they are followed by attractive, disproportionately large seed pods which mature over the summer and burst open in early fall to reveal showy, brilliant orange-red seeds. Ignored by birds, they persist throughout the winter until the spring, and put on a spectacular display. This rhizomatous perennial forms attractive clumps of glossy, rich green, sword-shaped, evergreen leaves, which are unpleasantly aromatic when cut or bruised, hence the common name of Stinking Iris. Robust and easy to grow, this remarkable iris does well in almost any situation. It will survive wet dry conditions and open or shaded sites.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Some tolerance to full shade. Established plants tolerate some dry conditions.
- A welcomed addition to beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens.
- Deer resistant.
- No serious insect or disease issues but watch for slugs, snails, thrips and gray moulds.
- Remove any dying foliage in autumn. Divide in spring or fall as needed.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn
- All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Europe, North Africa
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 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 - Other |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
whiskybottle / 123RF Banque d'images, CFG Photos
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 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 - Other |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |