About
Iris lazica, the Lazistan iris, is a spring-flowering evergreen, rhizomatous perennial to 25 cm with arching, glossy-green leaves and deep-purple or lavender-blue flowers to 8 cm across, the base of the falls veined on a white ground. A choice and ornamental evergreen iris for a sheltered, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Iris, the irises, are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials producing narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect standard petals. They flower from late winter to early summer in every colour of the rainbow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toTurkey to Transcauc
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 sharply-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun; ideal for the base of a sunny wall where ground is dry and stony but tolerant of some moisture and shade
PruningRemove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn
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