About
Iris albicans, the white flag iris, is a rhizomatous, bearded iris 30�60 cm tall with broad, sword-shaped, grey-green leaves and unbranched stems bearing one to three aromatic, white flowers with yellow-tipped white beards in late spring. Long cultivated in Islamic cemeteries and gardens, and widely naturalised around the Mediterranean.
About the genus
Iris are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials with narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect, often smaller, standard petals, in a vast range of colours and patterns. Among the most widely grown and beloved of all flowering plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSaudi Arabia
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil in full sun. Do not cover the rhizomes with mulch, or allow other plants to shade them; sun on the rhizomes encourages flowering. Give a high potash feed in spring and divide every three to four years. See also bearded iris cultivation
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to late summer; for more advice, see dividing irises or propagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases