Care of the rhizomatous plant Iris unguicularis or Algerian iris |
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The genus Iris, family Iridaceae, comprises 300 species of rhizomatous and bulbous plants native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Some species are: Iris unguicularis, Iris pseudacorus, Iris orientalis, Iris germanica, Iris foetidissima, Iris pumila, Iris xiphium, Iris lutescens, Iris aucheri. Common names: Algerian iris, Winter iris. This species is native to Greece, Turkey, Western Syria, and Tunisia. They are rhizomatous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68 feet) in height. The leaves are long, narrow, curved and evergreen. They produce abundant and attractive 8 cm (3.14") blue-violet flowers with yellow spots. They bloom in winter and spring. They are used on rockeries, slopes and in areas of the garden that are difficult to access; they are also used as cut flowers. Iris unguicularis can grow in full sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. They resist frost down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF). They can grow in clay, calcareous and poor soils. They do not need irrigation; they can grow with the little Mediterranean rains. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are easy to grow plants and resistant to pests and diseases; are sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate by division in late summer. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Iris unguicularis or Algerian iris |
 Iris unguicularis  Iris unguicularis  Iris unguicularis  Iris unguicularis  Iris unguicularis  Iris unguicularis |