Details
- Flowering Time
- June
- July
- Planting Time
- March
- April
- Growing
- Hardy
- Perennial
- RHS Recommended
- Award of Garden Merit
- Perfect For
- Cutting
- Naturalising
- Pots & Tubs
- Small Garden & Balcony
- Flowering Height
- 60 cm
- Bulb Size
- Top Size
- Colour
- Purples & Mauves
Iris Foetidissima
M6491
Description
Bearing delicate, pale yellow, mauve-mottled flowers above evergreen foliage, the unassuming Iris ‘Foetidissima’ really comes into its own in the autumn. This variety forms large seedpods which split open to reveal a cluster of jewel-like, vivid scarlet fruits which persist throughout the winter. The renowned florist Constance Spry was a proponent of using the “brown leaves and brilliant orange seed heads” as an intriguing addition to floral arrangements (Garden Notebook, 1940). Unusually for an Iris, ‘Foetidissima’ thrives in boggy shade and will tolerate drier conditions, so is perfect for areas where other plants may struggle.
Care Guide
Iris foetidissima, known as the ‘Gladwin Iris’ is best grown in a shaded spot, thriving in bog or water gardens, but will tolerate drier conditions.
Humus-rich, well-drained soil is suitable for this interesting, perennial Iris.
Plant the rhizomes 5cm deep, spaced 30-60cm apart in the ground.
Noted for its unique, berry-like seed pods in autumn and winter as well as its exquisite, yellow-tinged purple flowers in summer.
Remove withered foliage in autumn and divide any crowded clumps during spring every few years.
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