About
Iris stylosa is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial producing fans of narrow, dark-green, strap-shaped leaves and large, fragrant, lavender-blue to deep-violet flowers with yellow and white marks on the falls in late winter and early spring. An outstanding winterflowering iris for a sunny, well-drained, dry wall base or sheltered position.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSE Europe to Turkey
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
CultivationPlant in full sun in well-drained soil, and with the top surfaces of the rhizomes exposed so that they get baked in summer sun, which encourages flowering
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove any dying foliage in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to late summer; for more advice, see dividing irises
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