Description
This is the true species which is stress as there has, for over 100 years, been a great deal of confusion surrounding the blue-flowered Xiphium section Iris of s.w. Spain and n. Africa. Dykes thought that the originally description of Boissier was flawed and it actually described a close relative, however the name seems to have stood the test of time.
It has thread-like leaves, perhaps only 3-5mm wide and these appear in autumn. Early in the year, for this is the earliest flowering species of the section, the flower buds appears are ground level, covered in a purple or white blotched spathe. Eventually these open, from March to May, atop stems of around 30cm tall (taller in poor light).
The flowers, for there are usually two per stem, are a bright, purple-blue though more violet forms are known. The falls have a broad, central yellow blotch with subtending, smaller yellow blotches, the yellow being contrasted with what Dykes so perfectly calls “a blue halo”.
Like most members of its section, Iris filifolia needs annual cleaning and repotting into fresh compost. August seems best, as the foliage is half-yellowed and withered, but before the leaves totally dry up and vanish. A well-drained, fertile, sunny spot in a decent loam (or similar but in a pot) is best.
Added to our lists February 2020.
