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Herbaceous Perennial

Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'
  • RHS AGM

Algerian iris 'Mary Barnard'

'Mary Barnard' is an evergreen perennial with narrow, dark green leaves and very fragrant, rich violet flowers in mid-winter or early spring

Synonyms
Iris 'Mary Barnard'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sharply-drained, neutral to alkaline soil; ideal for the base of a sunny wall where ground is dry and stony

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Remove any dying foliage, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases

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