Hermodactylus tuberosus
snake's head iris
A tuberous perennial with lance-shaped, glaucous green leaves which appear in winter or early spring. Flowers are borne rather lower than leaf tips, on stems to 40cm, and are a striking combination of greenish-yellow standards with purplish-brown to blackish falls
Synonyms
Iris hermodactylus tuberosusHermodactylus tuberosus
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 | Green Black | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green Black | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers 10cm (4in) deep in autumn, in moderately fertile, sharply drained alkaline soil in full sun. Dry summers encourage flowering
Propagation
Propagate by division as soon as the leaves have died back in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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