Iris xiphium aka Spanish Iris

Taxonomy

Iris xiphium, commonly known as the Spanish iris, is a vigorous, clump-forming, bulbous perennial native to Spain and Portugal. It can also be found in Corsica, South West France, southern Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia. This iris species, also known as the small bulbous-rooted iris, was first illustrated in 'Flowers of the Mediterranean' in 1965. It has greyish-green leaves that emerge in autumn and grow between 20-70 cm tall. The leaves die after the flowers fade. The Spanish iris can reach up to 80 cm in height and typically flowers in May and June, though not always. The flowers of Iris xiphium are blue, violet, white, or yellow, with a width of around 6 cm. While not as large as those of I. xiphiodes, they are favored by florists for their striking color combinations. This species has several popular horticultural varieties, including var. lusitanica, which has yellow flowers all over. Iris xiphium is among the hardier bulbous irises and can be grown in northern Europe, but it may not survive in all of North America due to potential frost damage to the autumn foliage. It thrives in thoroughly drained beds with very light open soil and prefers a moderately enriched, sheltered position. In late spring to early summer, each bulb of Iris xiphium produces two flowers. These flowers are usually pale to deep blue or violet, occasionally white or yellow, with an orange or yellow mark on each fall. The plant forms clumps and has long, upright, narrowly lance-shaped, dark grey-green leaves. It is a deciduous perennial that adds beauty to gardens and landscapes.

Common names

Spanish Iris, Small Bulbous Rooted Iris

How to care for Spanish Iris

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Spanish Iris, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Spanish Iris should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Spanish Iris, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Spanish Iris is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Spanish Iris will thrive!

Lighting

Spanish Iris thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Small Bulbous Rooted Iris.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Spanish Iris plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Spanish Iris has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia