Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris)

Algerian Iris, Algerian Winter Iris, Winter Iris, Iris Stylosa


Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris) is a fabulous iris because of its bloom time. Flowering from late fall to early spring, when so few other plants are bursting from the ground, this Winter Iris features sweetly scented flowers, lavender to deep violet, 2-3 in. wide (5-8 cm). The standards display brownish spotted hafts while the falls are beautifully marked with white and deep yellow at their base. They rise atop a dense clump of grassy foliage of dark green, narrow, tough leaves. Native to the dry Mediterranean climate, this vigorous evergreen rhizomatous perennial also makes excellent cut flowers.

  • Grows in clumps up to 12-18 in tall (30-45 cm) and wide.
  • Easily grown in dry, neutral or slightly alkaline, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant, but do not let your Algerian Iris dry out completely, it needs a bit of dampness underground within reach of its roots.
  • Stunning in beds, borders, wall-side borders, banks and slopes, or in containers. Great in floral arrangements thanks to the quality of its fresh cut flowers too.
  • Perfect for cottage gardens, city gardens, or coastal gardens. Ideal at the base of a sunny wall.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant, but slugs and snails may be a problem
  • Cut back after flowering. Propagate by division from midsummer to early fall. Please note that this plant resents being disturbed.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • 'Mary Barnard' - one of the best with rich violet flowers. It is a very strong grower that blooms its heart out. Award of Garden Merit
  • 'Walter Butt' - very large pale silver orchid flowers.
  • 'Alba' - pure white flowers

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 plantsRead More

Not sure which Iris - Other to pick?
Compare All Iris - Other

Buy Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris)

Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Buy Plants

Guides with Iris - Other


© Martin Ogden /www.teddingtongardener.com

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 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Guides with Iris - Other

Plant Calculator

How many Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.