Iris tingitana var. fontanesii (Morocco Iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris tingitana var. fontanesii 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 tingitana var. fontanesii 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 Morocco.

About

Iris tingitana var. fontanesii is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the iris family native to Morocco. It carries sword-shaped to grassy foliage that is often glaucous in tone and may be deciduous or evergreen. Give a sunny, south- or west-facing spot with neutral to slightly alkaline, sharply drained soil. In the UK it flowers from May to July.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris tingitana

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 tingitana var. fontanesii is a perennial member of Iridaceae, native to Morocco, placing it among irises that favour open, sunlit sites. Its habit is clump-forming and upright, with foliage described as sword-shaped to grassy and often glaucous; leaves may be deciduous or evergreen depending on conditions. Plant in a south- or west-facing position where it will receive full sun, though some plants will tolerate light afternoon shade. Use loam, chalk or sand-based soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH and ensure the planting site is sharply drained; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. While many irises prefer well-drained conditions, note that other groups such as Siberian and Japanese kinds demand more moisture-retentive soil. The rating H5–H7 indicates the plant ranges from hardy to fully hardy in UK terms, and it also corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Exposed or sheltered sites are both acceptable provided drainage and sun are right. Expect flowering in the UK from May to July, after which the foliage continues to define the clump through the season.

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 tingitana var. fontanesii size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris tingitana var. fontanesii

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 tingitana var. fontanesii?

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 tingitana var. fontanesii?

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

What soil does Iris tingitana var. fontanesii need?

Iris tingitana var. fontanesii 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 tingitana var. fontanesii?

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 tingitana var. fontanesii hardy in the UK?

Iris tingitana var. fontanesii 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 tingitana var. fontanesii?

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

Browse all Iris →