Description
Iris bicapitata is an endemic of the Gargano peninsula in Italy at elevations of about 700m and more. For a long time this occurrence was thought to be Iris lutescens (syn chamaeiris) which instead occurs on the other side of Italy. (Lazio, Toscana) However it is now recognised as botanically different and distinct.
This is a more robust species, with a distinct stem (up to 40 cm in cultivation) bearing two flowers at the head of each stem – hence the specific name. In comparison, Iris lutescens (as well as the other Apulian endemic Iris pseudopumila) bears only one flower, without a stem, (the floral tube acts as a stem).
The colour of bicapitata is usually violet, but odd individuals are yellow, pure white, grey-white. There are also striking bicoloured combinations of violet, yellow, pale blue with a picotee margin.
This species has a pleasant scent, with notes of roses and violets. Easily grown in a sunny, well drained spot outside and the double headed stems are most conspicuous and attractive. It has grown outside here without problems, in a sunny raised beds for several years, since we first acquired it.
