Iris florentina var. albicans (white cemetery iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris florentina var. albicans is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. Iris florentina var. albicans grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to Middle East and northern Africa.

About

Iris florentina var. albicans is a clump-forming, upright perennial notable for its white flowers. Leaves are sword-shaped to grassy and often glaucous, and may be deciduous or persist as semi-evergreen. It favours full sun but will tolerate some partial shade, and flowers from May to July. Suits neutral to slightly alkaline soils such as loam, chalk or sand, provided they are well drained.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris florentina

About the genus

Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.

Written by Henry

In the garden

Iris florentina var. albicans is a perennial iris from the Iridaceae family with origins in the Middle East and northern Africa. It forms upright clumps of sword-shaped leaves and carries its blooms in late spring to mid-summer, with the main flowering period from May to July. In the UK it is hardy across a wide range, rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), and corresponds broadly to USDA zones 3–9. Plant in a south- or west-facing position where it receives strong light; it will tolerate some partial shade but performs best with plenty of sun. Soils of loam, chalk or sand suit it provided there is good drainage—this species prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. It will occupy both exposed and sheltered sites, so choose a spot that matches your exposure and drainage rather than seeking a strictly sheltered microclimate. Use it in sunny perennial borders, gravel beds or open, well-drained patches where the upright clumps can be seen against lower companions. The often glaucous, sword-like leaves give structure outside the flowering window, making the plant useful for late spring to early summer displays when it is in bloom from May to July.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris florentina var. albicans size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Native to: Middle East, northern Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris florentina var. albicans

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris florentina var. albicans?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris florentina var. albicans?

Iris florentina var. albicans prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris florentina var. albicans need?

Iris florentina var. albicans grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris florentina var. albicans?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

Is Iris florentina var. albicans hardy in the UK?

Iris florentina var. albicans has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris florentina var. albicans?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

More in the Iris genus

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