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Overview
Iris unguicularis or the Winter Iris is a moderately frost hardy, evergreen that produces flowers on short stems that are held in amongst the green grasslike foliage rather than held above it.
The flowers that are produced in winter are delicately scented and blue or white and marked with yellow for contrast.
They go well against a sunny wall setting, on banks and slopes, borders, courtyards and all manner of pots and planters.
Soil: Light, well drained but fertile soils that are slightly alkaline.
Maintenance: An evergreen, it looks after itslef very well.
You can trim back the foliage in late autumn to see the flowers better.
Diseases: Slugs and snails can occasionally be a bother, as can grey moulds.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the roots if ingested.
Symptoms can include a burning sensation of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea.
Skin contact with the seeds, leaves (sap) or roots may cause dermatitis.
Generally, if handled with care along with use of gloves, Iris present no threat.
Other Species: 200 species in the genus, some rhozomatous and other bulbous.
Comments: Named after the Greek goddess of rainbows.
Author: Bob Saunders.