Iris suaveolens
sweet-scented iris
A compact, rhizomatous, bearded iris to 15cm tall with fans of narrow, curved, slightly glaucous leaves to 22cm long. One or two flowers are borne in late spring on short stems; flowers are up to 5.5cm in diameter, usually yellow or purple but sometimes bicoloured with yellow or bluish-purple beards
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- SE Europe to Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, and with the top surfaces of the rhizomes exposed so that they get baked in summer sun, which encourages flowering
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to late summer; for more advice, see dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove any dying foliage in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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