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Algerian Iris in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Iris unguicularis

 

Algerian Iris

They are lavender blue, with delicate markings, and sweetly scented. Generally the leaves grow to about 40cm, with the flowers nestling among them. The variety 'Mary Barnard' is tidier than most as the leaves are shorter; its flowers are a particularly fine purple.

Contributed by @tiggrx

 
plant Features
  • Algerian Iris likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Algerian Iris likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

  • Algerian Iris is frost hardy: 23f (-5°c)

    Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

  • Algerian Iris likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Algerian Iris

Latin name

Iris unguicularis

type

Herbaceous Perennials

family

Iridaceae

ph

6.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Algerian Iris likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Algerian Iris is frost hardy: 23f (-5°c)

    Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

  • Soil

    Algerian Iris likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

  • Water

    Algerian Iris likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant
  •  
    When the plant will bloom

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Algerian Iris is 0.30meters x 0.40meters 0.30 M 0.40 M

Iris unguicularis

They are lavender blue, with delicate markings, and sweetly scented. Generally the leaves grow to about 40cm, with the flowers nestling among them. The variety 'Mary Barnard' is tidier than most as the leaves are shorter; its flowers are a particularly fine purple.


Planting in late Summer

From Mid Summer TO Late Summer

Ideally the Iris plant would need to be planted in a sunny spot so that it can receive at least six hours of sun a day as well as being planted in well drained but moist soil. They do well near water but should be at least 6 inches above water level. Avoid hoeing around the base of the plants as the roots are near the surface and easily damaged. Plenty of mulch can help avoid weed growth around them, although rhizomatous varieties should not be mulched, as this could rot the rhizomes.

 

Flowering Season

From Mid Spring TO Late Autumn

As the genus is complex, the flowering characteristics vary greatly however, as a generalisation, Iris blooms start to appear during spring and depending on variety, may be evident throughout the summer and into autumn.

 

Propagating by division

From Mid Autumn TO Late Autumn

Split the irises every year, immediately after flowering has ended. At this point the early summer leaves and flower stems have started to die back, and the late summer leaves have started to grow. Split individual plants with a light spade, leaving the part to be retained undisturbed in the soil. Remove about 30-50% of the total plant mass. The aim is to leave plants about the size that would fit under an A5 sheet of paper. After splitting, cut back the early-summer leaves on the remaining plants, and cut or break off the flower stems. Finally, top-dress the plants.

 

Planting bulbs

From Late Summer TO Early Autumn

The bulbs should be planted in late Summer or Autumn, and only about 2in deep. Great care must be taken when planting this iris not to damage the fleshy roots. Add coarse grit and bone meal before planting.

 
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