Iris unguicularis
Algerian iris
A vigorous evergreen rhizomatous perennial to 30cm in height, with copious dark green leaves and very fragrant, deep violet flowers 5-8cm in width, the falls marked with white and deep yellow at the base, in late winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Purple | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- N Africa to SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained or sharply drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Ideal at the base of a sunny wall
Propagation
Propagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, plant immediately in flowering positions
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back 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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