Iris foetidissima

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Stinking irisBulb, Perennial, EvergreenFamily: Iridaceae

Height: 75cmSpread: 45cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Orange

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Shade Type:

Dry

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Iris foetidissima is the perfect iris for a shady spot, particularly beneath trees, where other plants struggle. It has architectural evergreen foliage and dull purple flowers, but it comes into its own in autumn when its large seedpods split open to reveal rows of orange-red seeds that remain well into winter. It works well with with other shade lovers such as Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, and under deciduous trees alongside dwarf spring-flowering bulbs. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Iris foetidissima in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade. Remove faded foliage in autumn.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesFruitsyesyesyes**yesDivideyesyesyes

Iris ‘Foetidissima’ and wildlife

Iris ‘Foetidissima’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Iris ‘Foetidissima’ poisonous?

Iris ‘Foetidissima’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock