Iris xiphium
Spanish iris
A vigorous, clump-forming, bulbous perennial with lance-shaped leaves. In late spring to early summer each bulb produces two flowers, usually pale to deep blue or violet, occasionally white or yellow, with an orange or yellow mark on each fall
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W & C Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil
Propagation
Lift and propagate by division in early autumn. Propagate by seed; sow seeds in cold frame in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove the foliage once it has died down
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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