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Iris foetidissima ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Stinking Iris)

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AGM Award
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Iris foetidissima, Stinking Iris, Blue Seggin, Gladden, Gladdon, Gladwin, Gladwyn, Roast Beef Plant, Scarlet-Seeded Iris, Stinking Gladwin, Stinking Gladwyn, Lavender Iris, Lavender Flowers, Bicolor Iris, Bicolor Flowers

Noted for its terrific foliage and showy fruit, Iris foetidissima ‘Variegata’ (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 wonderfully attractive clumps of glossy, creamy-striped, 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, and cottage gardens.
  • Deer resistant.
  • No serious insect or disease issues but watch for slugs, snails, thrips, and gray molds.
  • 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

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

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 Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
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"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs 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 Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Higan Cherry)
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom)
Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore)
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii (Mediterranean Spurge)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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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 Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
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"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs 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 Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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