Description
Iris tingitana is a native of southern Spain and Morocco. Though it is reported from Portugal and “North Africa” there is always the chance of confusion with a very different species, I. xiphium. Iris tingitana has two reported varieties fontanesii and mellori but these are considered synonyms by most authorities.
It is a strong and robust Xiphium section Iris reaching 60-90cm tall with a stiff wiry stem holding one to three, bright cornflower-blue flowers, though paler shades are also known. Each flower is subtended by a single bract. Flowers are borne as early as February in the wild but April-May is more normal here and flowering continues for some time, as any side bulbs will also make blooms.
This will thrive in a warm, well-drained soil in sun. It undoubtedly does best of all in a warm spot and south-facing sites are often recommended, for cooler areas. This is, we find, tolerant of summer moisture even though it is summer-dormant. It starts dying back after flowering, but you should continue care and feeding until the leaves are wholly yellow. In this way you will maximise increase and also promote future flowering. The bulbs can be expected to make an offset or two each year plus a few babies, when they are happy. It is worthy of note that the foliage of this species is made in spring, rather than the more easily weather-damaged, autumn borne foliage of its near relatives.
