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Stinking iris

Iris foetidissima · Iridaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant stinking iris: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, blue-green, releasing an unpleasant odor when crushed
Flowering
Spring (April-May), discrete purple-blue flowers
Adult size
60 to 80 cm tall, 30 to 40 cm wide
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -15°C
Origin
Mediterranean region and Middle East
Soil type
Well-draining, tolerant, even chalky

Care

Light exposure

Plant this iris in partial shade to shaded locations, or in full sun depending on your region. It adapts well to intermediate situations and even tolerates partial shade in woodland settings. Avoid excessive heat combined with stagnant humidity.

Watering

Water moderately after planting to encourage rooting. Once established, this iris is very drought-tolerant and needs little water. Adjust watering based on natural rainfall and avoid excessive winter moisture.

Soil and planting

Prefer well-draining soil, even poor or chalky, over rich and compact earth. Plant rhizomes flush with the soil surface, without completely covering them. A light compost addition at planting usually suffices.

Pruning and cutting

Remove faded flowers to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. In late winter or early spring, you can clean up the foliage by removing damaged or dead leaves. The ornamental red fruits appear in autumn and can be kept for display.

Fertilizing

This iris is not demanding and generally thrives without additional feeding. A light compost amendment in spring is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and diseases

This iris is generally robust and rarely affected by pests. Watch for rhizome rot in case of excessive moisture. Ensure good air circulation in mass plantings to prevent fungal issues. Good drainage remains the best prevention.

Did you know?

The stinking iris gets its original name from its characteristic odor: crush its leaves and you'll experience a scent of mutton leg (gigot) that's rather unappetizing! Despite this unflattering reputation, this iris hides a treasure in autumn: spectacular bright orange fruits that open to reveal ornamental coral-red seeds highly prized by florists.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.