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
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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 |
© 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 |