Iris orientalis Mill.
Turkish iris
A robust, semi-evergreen, perennial to nearly 1m tall. Flowers in clusters of up to 5, each 10cm wide, in late spring or early summer; white with a prominent, large yellow central blotch on the falls
Other common names
golden irisMonnier's iris
Synonyms
Iris orientalis 'Spuria'Iris ochroleuca
see moreIris monnieri
Iris spuria subsp. ochroleuca
Iris gigantea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Greece, Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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