Iris paradoxa
unusual iris
A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, 10-25cm high, with narrow leaves 2-4mm wide, and flowers in spring or early summer. The erect standards may be white, veined with deep blue-violet, to uniform deepest purple, pale blue or pale yellow; the somewhat horizontal falls may be blackish-violet, through pale purple densely overlaid with black-purple veins, to golden yellow, and the beards are velvety black-purple; it is dormant in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | Black Blue Purple Yellow White | Green Blue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue | Black Blue Purple Yellow White | Green Blue | |
| Autumn | Green Blue | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Unresolved
- Plant range
- E Turkey, N Iran, Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil, in full sun, and with the top surfaces of the rhizomes exposed so that they get baked in summer sun, which encourages flowering; best grown in a bulb frame or alpine house in containers using gritty, free-draining compost, and kept dry during late summer and winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division of rhizomes after flowering; for more advice, see dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove old flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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