Iris magnifica (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread:30cm
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Iridaceae
Iris magnifica is a deciduous bulbous, herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped with entire margins. Its pale lilac/ white flowers are up to 8cm across. Its fruit are longitudinal capsules.
Iris magnifica, commonly known as Juno Iris or Magnificent Iris, is native to the mountains of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In it native habitat it grows in mountainous rocky places.
The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek iris, meaning ‘rainbow’, presumably in reference to the many colours of the flowers. Magnifica is from the Latin meaning ‘magnificent’.
Iris magnifica Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Iris magnifica useful as an attractive spring flowering perennial, particularly in well drained locations.
Ecologically, Iris magnifica is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Iris magnifica their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1994.
Iris magnifica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to alkaline pH of soil. It dislikes wet soils.
Iris magnifica requires little maintenance.
