Overview
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata' 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. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and groundcover. It is native to Europe.
About
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, upright perennial grown for its variegated sword-shaped leaves and compact 1.0 m stature. It flowers in May to July and the foliage may be deciduous or evergreen, often with a glaucous surface. The leaves give off an unpleasant scent if bruised. Position it in full sun or light shade on neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained loam, chalk or sand.
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 'Variegata' sits in the iris family (Iridaceae) and originates from Europe; the cultivar is selected for variegated foliage rather than dramatic blooms. Plants form upright clumps of sword-shaped to grassy leaves that can be either deciduous or remain through the winter, with a glaucous finish on the leaf surface. Give this cultivar a sunny to part-shaded site, preferably south- or west-facing, in a neutral to slightly alkaline soil such as loam, chalk or sand that drains freely. It tolerates exposed as well as sheltered locations and falls in UK hardiness H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), equivalent to USDA zones 3–9, so it will survive winter across most UK regions. Flowers appear from May to July; the foliage emits an unpleasant smell when crushed or handled. Use Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' in mixed borders, woodland edges or as ground cover where its variegated leaves provide season-long structure and a contrast to darker foliage plants. Allow space for upright clumps to reach about 1.0 m and site it where the leaf pattern can be seen at close range rather than lost behind taller planting.
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 'Variegata' 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
- Suggested uses
- Borders, woodland gardens, groundcover
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- Unpleasant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris foetidissima 'Variegata'
- 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 'Variegata'?
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 'Variegata'?
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' need?
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?
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 'Variegata' grow?
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?
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
- 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)