• Image of Iris unguicularis|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG

    Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC

  • Image of Iris unguicularis|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG

    Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC

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Iris unguicularis

Winter Blooming Algerian Iris

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 923

Zones: 7a to 9b

Dormancy: Summer

Height: 18" tall

Culture: Sun to Part Sun

Origin: North Africa

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


(syn: I. stylosa) The little known, winter-blooming Algerian iris is one of our favorites for its ability to flower when few others dare. The narrow green leaves, to only 18" tall, make a dense deer-resistant clump to 18" wide. Starting in October/November (weather permitting), the clumps begin to flower with 2" very fragrant, light lavender-purple flowers...continuing through April (temporarily ceasing when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F). Iris unguicularis prefers a dry and well-drained location. The Royal Horticultural Society named Iris unguicularis as one of the top 200 plants of the last 200 years!