Iris foetidissima and its cultivars

摘要

STINKING IRIS, orgladdon, Irisfoetidissima, is a tough evergreen perennial native to much of Europe, including Britain. It is primarily grown for its brightly coloured seeds, prominent in winter, which are valuable both in the garden and cut for winter arrangements. It is an unusually tolerant, extremely adaptable plant growing naturally in deep shade or sun. It favours dry habitats, with a preference for calcareous soils.The bluish, purplish, brownish or yellowish flowers are often rather dull, watery, or even murky, in colour. But it is the brightly coloured, fleshy, orange-red seeds that are so appealing to gardeners and flower arrangers. Selections with seeds in other colours, such as yellow and white, have been made. There are also selections with flowers in cleaner and brighter shades, or with coloured foliage. Considering their value, it is surprising that the availability of so many is poor and unpredictable.