Description
This is widely known as “The Algerian Iris” though most Iris labelled as Iris unguicularis are in fact cretensis. It is thus very exciting to be able to offer this true-to-name species as material originally sourced as seed from Algeria itself. The two species (or subspecies of the same species!) range mostly across the eastern Mediterranean (cretensis) but it also grows in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria (unguicularis)
Not quite as dwarf as the eastern Mediterranean cretensis this has leaves which can reach 30cm long and though they are a little wide than its eastern cousin, they are still narrow and tufted, held in tight clumps. From very late Autumn through the middle of winter and into very early Spring, expect (once established) a succession of very strikingly coloured flowers of violet and lavender over a white ground, with an orange-yellow stripe in the centre of the falls, and darker standards. The plant illustrated (flowering on 12th November 2019) is from the stock we offer and there is but little variation from this colouring.
This superb colour combination would be excellent on its own, but this has the added advantage of flowering in the depths of winter when any colour is so very welcome.
Sharply drained soil in full sun, and excellent at the base of a south-facing wall.
This cultivated stock is traceable to the Tlemcen district of Western Algeria.
