About
A compact, tufted, perennial Scabiosa from the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria with small, pinnately divided, grey-green leaves and slender stems bearing small, pincushion-like, lilac-blue flowers in summer. A choice and little-known alpine for a well-drained sunny rock garden.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW & C Mediterranean
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 well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil
PruningRemove the foliage once it has died down
PropagationLift and propagate by division in early autumn. Propagate by seed; sow seeds in cold frame in spring or 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