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Overview
Iris xiphium or Spanish Iris is a beautiful bulbous plant that has narrow, lance shaped leaves and flowers in blues, mauves, white and yellow which are held aloft up to 60-70cms.
They make excellent cut flowers and produce colour in the otherwise duller months of late winter.
Classically beautiful yet very easy to grow and maintain.
Soil: Light, well drained and slightly alkaline soils.
Choose a sunny location though a little shade throughout the day is well tolerated.
Maintenance: Water well when in flower, then let dry out, lift and store for a few months after foliage dies back.
A sprinkling of blood and bone before re-planting in autumn is good.
Diseases: Some viruses can bother them at times.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the roots if ingested.
Symptoms can include a burning sensation of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea.
Skin contact with the seeds, leaves (sap) or roots may cause dermatitis.
Generally, if handled with care along with use of gloves, Iris present no threat.
Other Species: Many hybrids have been created from this species - generally referred to as Spanish Irises.
The most well known is Iris hollandica or the Dutch Iris which is bred from Iris tingitana × Iris xiphium.
Comments: Best grown in groups or along pathways.
Author: Bob Saunders.