Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' (Lindsayae Algerian Iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' 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 0.3 metres tall. Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' 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 rock gardens, borders and containers. It is native to Algeria and Tunisia.

About

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' is a clump-forming perennial Algerian iris that bears scented flowers in May to July. It reaches about 0.3 metres with upright, sword-shaped to grassy leaves that are often glaucous. The foliage may be deciduous or persist through the year, and the plant has a mild, sweet fragrance. Suited to rock gardens, borders or containers, it prefers a sunny, south- or west-facing spot.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris unguicularis

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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae' originates from North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia) and grows as a small, upright clump to around 0.3 metres. Flowering is in May to July, when the mild, sweet-scented blooms sit above narrow, often glaucous leaves that can be either deciduous or evergreen in appearance. Plant it in full sun where possible, although it will tolerate some light afternoon shade; a south- or west-facing position is ideal. Use a free-draining soil of loam, chalk or sand on a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and avoid waterlogged sites—good drainage is important. Exposure can be either sheltered or exposed; the cultivar carries an H5–H7 rating, i.e. from hardy to fully hardy in UK terms, so it withstands ordinary seasonal winter conditions across most of Britain. At roughly 0.3 metres high and with an upright, clump-forming habit, 'Lindsayae' suits rock gardens, front-of-border positions and containers where it can be seen close to eye level during its May to July flowering. The scented blooms sit prominently over the glaucous, sword-shaped leaves, making the cultivar useful where a compact, fragrant spring-to-summer feature is wanted.

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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Height: 0.3 metres
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, borders, containers
Native to: Algeria, Tunisia
Fragrance: Mild, sweet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae'

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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae'?

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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae'?

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' need?

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' 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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae'?

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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae' grow?

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' reaches a height of 0.3 metres.

Is Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' hardy in the UK?

Iris unguicularis 'Lindsayae' 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 unguicularis 'Lindsayae'?

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 →