Iris unguicularis
Algerian iris
A real winter morale-booster, this evergreen perennial forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves that stay green year round, even...
9cm pot
£12.99
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
£66.99
£22.33 each
available to order from spring 2027
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Plant description
A real winter morale-booster, this evergreen perennial forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves that stay green year round, even if they look a little windswept by late winter. In mild spells, richly coloured flowers push through the foliage, opening in shades of lavender-blue to deep violet with clear yellow and white markings on the falls, and they’re powerfully fragrant too.
Flowering often begins in midwinter and can continue into early spring, bringing colour when very little else is stirring. Best planted in free-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, it thrives at the base of a sunny, sheltered wall where warmth helps trigger blooms.
Iris unguicularis is a tough, reliable choice for dry borders and courtyard gardens, rewarding patience with scent, structure, and unexpected colour at the quietest time of year.
Flowering often begins in midwinter and can continue into early spring, bringing colour when very little else is stirring. Best planted in free-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, it thrives at the base of a sunny, sheltered wall where warmth helps trigger blooms.
Iris unguicularis is a tough, reliable choice for dry borders and courtyard gardens, rewarding patience with scent, structure, and unexpected colour at the quietest time of year.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Iris unguicularis:
Plant in a sunny, sheltered position, ideally against a sunny and protected south- or west-facing wall. Set the rhizomes shallowly, with the tops just at or slightly above soil level, in free-draining soil; improve heavy ground with grit or sand to prevent winter wet. Space plants around 30-40cm (12-16in) apart and water in well, then only during prolonged dry spells while they establish.
Once settled, this iris thrives on a slightly drier regime and needs very little feeding. Remove old or tatty leaves in late summer or early autumn to expose the rhizomes to sun and air, which helps encourage winter flowering. Divide congested clumps every few years after flowering to keep plants vigorous and blooming well.
Once settled, this iris thrives on a slightly drier regime and needs very little feeding. Remove old or tatty leaves in late summer or early autumn to expose the rhizomes to sun and air, which helps encourage winter flowering. Divide congested clumps every few years after flowering to keep plants vigorous and blooming well.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
