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Winter Iris Iris unguicularis

Previously known as:

  • Iris stylosa
  • Joniris stylosa
  • Neubeckia stylosa
  • Siphonostylis unguicularis
Phonetic Spelling
EYE-ris un-gwih-kew-LAR-iss
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Algerian Iris is a purple-flowering bulb native to northern Africa and the western Mediterranean region.  While it will grow in the sun, this blub is particularly attractive in shady areas.   Its flowers appear in late winter and provide a much needed pop of color in the landscape.  Consider mass planting it in border fronts, along walkways or near patios where the long lasting blooms can be enjoyed.

 

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Grey molds, bacterial soft rot, or a virus may occur.

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White flowers
  • 'Dazzling Eyes'
  • 'Great White'
    Large white flowers with yellow stripes down the center of the outter petals.
  • 'Logan Calhoun'
  • 'Mary Barnard'
  • 'Peloponnese Snow'
    White flowers with hints of orange and purple
'Alba', 'Dazzling Eyes', 'Great White', 'Logan Calhoun', 'Mary Barnard', 'Peloponnese Snow'
Tags:
#purple#fragrant#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#purple flowers#winter interest#mass planting#long bloom time#walkway planting#winter flowers#winter garden#problem for cats#flowers late winter#flowers mid-winter#flowers early winter#problem for dogs#problem for horses#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
    White flowers
  • 'Dazzling Eyes'
  • 'Great White'
    Large white flowers with yellow stripes down the center of the outter petals.
  • 'Logan Calhoun'
  • 'Mary Barnard'
  • 'Peloponnese Snow'
    White flowers with hints of orange and purple
'Alba', 'Dazzling Eyes', 'Great White', 'Logan Calhoun', 'Mary Barnard', 'Peloponnese Snow'
Tags:
#purple#fragrant#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#purple flowers#winter interest#mass planting#long bloom time#walkway planting#winter flowers#winter garden#problem for cats#flowers late winter#flowers mid-winter#flowers early winter#problem for dogs#problem for horses#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Iris
    Species:
    unguicularis
    Family:
    Iridaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Africa and Mediterranean
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    drought, deer
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    Seedpods should be completely dry (while attached to the plant) before seeds are taken out.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Showy lavendar-purple flowers with yellow banding appear in early winter through early spring. The flowers are on short stems so they are low in the clump of leaves.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves can be up to 12 inches long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems that hold the flower up can be as tall as 8 inches.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin)
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems