Today 
RSSPlants
New year welcome
Posted by: Adam Pasco, 02 January 2008, 10.39AM
What a wonderful welcome to the new year to discover these beautiful seed pods on my Iris foetidissima. They really are a winter bonus, their bright shining seeds last for weeks.
Apparently they are not attractive to birds; they don't appear interested, which is surprising when food is in such short supply. I know the seeds are poisonous to humans, so birds must know this instinctively, and I'm told rabbits stay clear of them as well.
Following flowers in early summer, the faded blooms give way to a seed pod, which slowly fattens with every passing month. Come late autumn the pod decides it's time to display its contents for all to enjoy, splitting to reveal its treasure. On a bright sunny day these red seed capsules glow brightly, enticing me in for a closer look. Glorious!
Don't be put off by their common name of stinking iris or stinking gladwyn. They really don't smell unless you crush their leaves, but I can't say I've ever noticed anything unpleasant.
Iris foetidissima is a strong growing iris that develops into a tight clump within a few years. Mine hasn't been divided for some time, so when the weather warms up in spring I really must lift the whole clump and split it up before replanting. There will probably be enough to give away a few bits to friends, too. If I wanted more I could save some of the ripe seed capsules and sow them to raise new plants, but I think one clump is enough.
Apparently you can find it growing wild in parts of southern England, especially on lime-rich soils and in dry woodlands, but it doesn't complain about a shady spot under a plum tree on my heavy clay soil.
The sight of this humble little iris in the middle of winter really lifts the spirits. As if we haven't already been lifting enough spirits to welcome in the new year!
Comments
Sandra
04 January 2008, 02.15PM
Adam Pasco
07 January 2008, 08.26PM
Dad's Girl
12 January 2008, 04.15PM
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