Iris unguicularis - The Algerian Iris

The Algerian Iris

The colorful winter flowering Algerian Iris, Iris unguicularis is a reliable plant in our garden. The name hints a little about the Mediterranean origins of this plant.

One of the most useful and easy care winter flowering plants, Iris unguicularis will form a nice clump over time and are useful for planting beneath deciduous trees.

Wonderful mauve to purple flowers in mid winter with a splash of yellow in the throat make it a really worthwhile addition to a garden border. (see picture right)

We have been growing these for many years in a lightly shaded position beneath a deciduous tree and they seem to love it.

Varieties

The Algerian Iris comes in a number or forms, and flower color will differ, usually from blue to purple, however other forms are available including :

A white flowering variety, Iris unguicularis ‘Alba, same flower form but white with yellow’ is also available for sale.
Named cultivars include :
Iris unguicularis ‘Mary Barnard’ which has darker blue flowers
‘Albington Purple’ smaller flowers and recurved petals, a deeper blue than the purple of the species.
Iris unguicularis ssp cretensis (syn. Iris unguicularis var angustifolia) is a wonderful dwarf flowering form from southern Greece

Algerian Iris Care

A clump forming rhizome rather than an actual bulb, Iris unguicularis require very little care and seem to thrive on neglect, although a little seaw eed fertilizer at the begriming of winter seems to give them a boost.

Drought tolerant once established Iris unguicularis can also be grown in sun. Propagation is best by division in early spring, or late summer.

Good drainage in summer is important.

Pruning and Dividing

The idea of pruning back the foliage each autumn to allow the flowers to be more readily seen is one that does not really carry much weight. Although the flowers are held close to the ground, they sit neatly in the foliage and are pretty in winter.

Larger clumps will become congested after a number of years and to promote good healthy growth they will need to be divided.

Summary

plant and leave them alone
do not water except in very dry winters and autumn
limit fertilizer to one watering of liquid seaweed in spring.
try to keep snails away from the clumps
limit pruning to removal of dead foliage in autumn and again in early summer
divide clumps only when you really need to.

Iris unguicularis are available for sale from the following nurseries.

MISTYDOWNS - Unusual Perennials and Climbing Plants

MISTYDOWNS - Phone 03 534 5 2847
P O Box 398 Creswick Vic 3363
Retail & Mail Order Specialist Growers of Heritage Roses, Unusual Perennials, Tree & Herbaceous Peonies. Mail order and Nursery Sales.
www.mistydowns.com.au

Other Iris of interest

Iris Links