stinking iris
Iris foetidissima
RHS AGM 1994
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Pale lilac
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Stinking iris (Iris foetidissima) is a perennial for borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. The evergreen leaves stay on the plant all year, and pale lilac flowers open in spring. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Give it a spot where the foliage can add year-round structure.
Pairs well with Rainbow's End hosta, Bluebell, and Ostrich fern.
Native range
Europe.