Iris unguicularis (27/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Winter to early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 7a – 10a
Family: Iridaceae
Iris unguicularis is a vigorous, clump forming, evergreen herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves are strap like, up to 30cm long and 2cm broad. Its fragrant violet flowers with yellow on the falls appear on stalks and are nestled among its leaves and are up to 8cm in width. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.
Iris unguicularis, commonly known as Algerian Iris, Algerian Winter Iris or Winter Iris, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. Iris unguicularis is synonymous with Iris stylosa.
The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek meaning ‘rainbow’, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Unguicularis is derived from the Latin Unguis meaning ‘claw’ in reference to the shape of its flower.
The landscape architect may find Iris unguicularis useful as a companion with other Mediterranean type plants and in hot dry locations.
Ecologically, Iris unguicularis attractive to some pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Iris unguicularis their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Iris unguicularis Flower (27/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Iris unguicularis prefers moist, well-drained soils. It prefers an alkali to neutral pH of soil. It tolerates poor soils and will not tolerate wet soils.
Iris unguicularis requires little maintenance. Large cllumps maay be divided from mid summer to early autumn.
