Iris foetidissima (Coral Fruit Iris)

Part Sun to ShadeZone: 6-9, at least 24" tall Origin: SW Europe, N. Africa

Open House/Web-Only! Here's an oddball if there ever was one. Iris foetidissima, native from England west to Greece, can be found in open woodlands, where the 2' tall clumps of dark green upright evergreen foliage provides a delightful structural element in the winter garden. The small tan and lavender flowers are uglier than the cast of a zombie movie and anyone who says otherwise needs new glasses. The specific epithet indicates stinking...reportedly the leaves smell of roast beef...yeah, right...and I look like Kevin Costner. The beauty of Iris foetidissima is the seedheads, which split open in mid-October to reveal bright red fruits. Slightly moist soils are best. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)