Iris tuberosa
Widow Iris, Snake's head Iris
Also known as Hermodactylus tuberosus
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The foliage of this strange and interesting plant looks rather like rounded upright reeds which open into flat leaf like blades, The stems have a tendency to fracture and bend. The foliage protects the iris like flower heads which are creamy yellow with purple falls and wing tips. The flowers seem to hover in the midst of the lush green foliage in March and April. This plant thrives in a sunny spot in limey soil that is dry to well drained. Make sure it's sheltered so it can't be damaged by wind. The plant is susceptible to slugs. This stands around 40cm (16in) high with a 10cm (4in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Purple, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, delicate
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.1m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - early · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertliser around the plant in early Spring, scratching it into the ground. Keep rhizomes exposed.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Outdoors
Planting Iris rhizomes
Position in a hole with roots pointing down and the top half of the rhizome level with the soil surface. Fill soil around the roots, leave the top part bare of soil so it will be exposed to the summer sun (this ensures flowering).
Applies to summer flowering Iris germanica or Bearded iris. Not Iris siberica
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.
Found in
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