Overview
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' 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 Europe and western Asia.
About
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the iris family noted for its unpleasant-smelling foliage. It reaches about 1.0 m and carries its flowers in the main UK flowering season of May to July. Leaves are sword-shaped and often glaucous. The foliage and all parts are harmful if eaten, so wear gloves when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris foetidissima
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 foetidissima 'Citrina' belongs to the Iridaceae and is native to Europe and western Asia. It grows as an upright, clump-forming perennial that typically reaches around 1.0 m. The plant flowers in the UK from May to July; its foliage is sword-shaped and often takes on a glaucous (bluish-grey) tone. Plant it where it receives full sun, although it will tolerate some partial shade. Soils of loam, chalk or sand suit it best provided they are well drained; the species prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Position on a south or west-facing aspect where possible. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and is rated H5–H7, meaning hardy to fully hardy across much of the UK. Use Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' where an upright, clump-forming perennial is needed and space allows for a plant about a metre tall. Take care when handling as all parts are harmful if eaten and the foliage has an unpleasant scent when bruised; wear gloves and other protective equipment. For advice on pets and toxic plants consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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 foetidissima 'Citrina' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Native to
- Europe, western Asia
- Fragrance
- unpleasant
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Iris foetidissima 'Citrina'
- 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 foetidissima 'Citrina'?
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 foetidissima 'Citrina'?
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' need?
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' 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 foetidissima 'Citrina'?
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.
How big does Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' grow?
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' hardy in the UK?
Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' 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 foetidissima 'Citrina'?
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.
Is Iris foetidissima 'Citrina' toxic?
Harmful 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.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)