Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Also in this family:
American Blue-eyed Grass, Aunt Eliza, Autumn Crocus, Bearded Iris, Blue-eyed Grass, Early Crocus, Eastern Gladiolus, Giant Montbretia, Montbretia, Pale Yellow-eyed Grass, Potts Montbretia, Purple Iris, Sand Crocus, Siberian Iris, Snakeshead Iris, Snow Crocus, Spanish Iris, Spring Crocus, Turkish Iris, Veined Autumn Crocus, Wild Gladiolus, Yellow Crocus, Yellow Flag Iris, Yellow-eyed Grass
Maximum Size:
90 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, rocky places, scrub, sea cliffs, seaside, woodland.
The Stinking Iris boasts distinctive and striking flowers that captivate with their understated elegance. Typically blooming in late spring to early summer, these flowers feature six delicate, petal-like segments known as tepals. The tepals are usually a subtle blend of pale lavender, purple, or yellowish hues, often with intricate veining that adds to their charm. While not overly showy, the flowers possess a quiet beauty, complemented by their lance-shaped, glossy green leaves. After flowering, the plant produces vibrant, orange-red seeds encased in split pods, which remain on the plant well into winter, adding seasonal interest. Despite their somewhat unremarkable scent, the visual appeal of the Stinking Iris flowers makes them a notable addition to shady garden corners and wildflower areas.
Fruit:
The fruit of the Stinking Iris is particularly notable for its vivid display and seasonal interest. Following the flowering period, the plant produces large, elongated seed pods that mature and split open in late summer to autumn. These pods reveal a striking array of bright orange to red seeds, which are glossy and bead-like in appearance. The seeds often remain attached to the plant throughout the winter, providing a splash of color against the muted tones of the season. This vibrant fruit display not only adds ornamental value to gardens but also attracts birds and other wildlife, enhancing the ecological diversity of the area. The contrasting hues and persistent nature of the Stinking Iris fruit make it a distinctive and valuable feature in both natural and cultivated landscapes.
Leaves:
The leaves of the Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima) are characterized by their glossy, sword-like appearance, making them a striking feature in gardens and natural settings alike. These evergreen leaves grow in dense clumps, typically reaching lengths of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches). Each leaf is narrow and lance-shaped, with a smooth texture and a rich, dark green color that remains vibrant throughout the year. The foliage forms an attractive backdrop to the plant's flowers in spring and summer, and continues to provide visual interest in the colder months. Additionally, the leaves are known for their hardiness and resilience, thriving in shaded or partially shaded areas where they contribute to the lush, green ambiance of woodland gardens or underplantings beneath larger trees.
Aroma:
The Stinking Iris derives its name from the peculiar scent emitted by its leaves and crushed parts, which is often described as unpleasant or fetid. This distinctive odor can be likened to the smell of raw meat or old cheese, hence the common name "Stinking Iris." Despite its less-than-appealing fragrance, the plant's flowers themselves are not typically associated with a strong scent and may even be considered mildly fragrant by some observers. However, it is primarily the foliage and crushed parts of the Stinking Iris that release the characteristic odor, making it a unique feature of this otherwise visually attractive garden plant.
Other Names:
Adder's Meat, Blue Seggin, Gladden, Gladdin, Gladdon, Gladwin Iris, Gladwyn, Roast-beef Plant, Scarlet-berry Iris, Scarlet-seeded Iris, Stinking Gladwin, Stinking Gladwyn.
Summary
Iris foetidissima, also known as Gladwin iris or Stinking iris, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to Europe and North Africa, and is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows and on rocky outcrops. The plant has tall, upright stems with green-yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn. The leaves are narrow and sword-shaped, and the plant has a strong unpleasant smell, particularly when leaves are crushed.
Iris foetidissima prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is hardy and tolerant of a wide range of soil types, and it can be used in gardens as an ornamental plant or in rock gardens. It can also be used in naturalizing schemes, and in wildflower meadows. The plant has a very long blooming period, and it's attractive to pollinators.
Blog
Stinking Iris, also known as Iris foetidissima, is a unique plant that belongs to the Iris family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is well-known for its distinctive smell, which gives the plant its name. Despite its unpleasant odor, Stinking Iris is a fascinating plant that is cherished by gardeners for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Physical Description
Stinking Iris is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are a deep green color and can grow up to 2 feet in length. The flowers of the Stinking Iris are quite unique, with a deep maroon color and a velvety texture. They bloom in early summer and are followed by bright orange berries that persist into the fall.
One of the most interesting features of the Stinking Iris is the seed pods, which are shaped like a flattened oval and can be up to 3 inches long. When they ripen, the pods split open to reveal bright red seeds that are covered in a bright orange pulp. The seeds are often dispersed by birds, which are attracted to the colorful berries.
Cultural Significance
Stinking Iris has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of skin conditions and as a purgative. The plant contains a number of active compounds, including iridin and irigenin, which have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Stinking Iris has also been used for a variety of other purposes throughout history. The tough, fibrous leaves were once used to make cordage, while the bright orange berries were used as a dye.
Gardening Tips
Despite its name, Stinking Iris is a popular plant among gardeners. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can even thrive in poor, rocky soil.
One of the most striking features of the Stinking Iris is its ability to grow in large clumps, which can make a dramatic statement in any garden. It is also an excellent plant for attracting birds, as the bright orange berries are a favorite among many species.
In conclusion, Stinking Iris may not have the most pleasant odor, but it is a fascinating plant that has many unique features. From its striking appearance to its medicinal properties, Stinking Iris is a plant that deserves a place in any garden. So the next time you come across this plant, don't be put off by its smell – take a closer look and appreciate all that it has to offer.
More Information about Stinking Iris
Stinking Iris is also known for its ability to grow in shade, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens. It can also be planted in containers and is a good choice for adding interest to a shaded patio or balcony.
When planting Stinking Iris, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained. If the soil is too wet, the plant may develop root rot. To prevent this, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
Stinking Iris is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is drought-tolerant and can go for extended periods without water, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping. However, to ensure healthy growth and flowering, it is important to water the plant during dry periods.
In terms of pests and diseases, Stinking Iris is generally free from major issues. However, it may occasionally be affected by iris borer or slugs. To prevent these pests, keep the area around the plant clear of debris and apply a layer of mulch to deter slugs.
In addition to its use as an ornamental and medicinal plant, Stinking Iris is also an important source of food for a variety of wildlife. The bright orange berries are particularly attractive to birds, which feed on them throughout the fall and winter months. This makes Stinking Iris an important component of the ecosystem, providing valuable food and habitat for wildlife.
Stinking Iris is also a plant with a rich cultural history. In ancient Greece, it was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions and dysentery. In medieval Europe, it was believed to have magical properties and was used in rituals and spells.
Today, Stinking Iris is still valued for its unique properties and is used in a variety of products, including cosmetics and herbal remedies. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it particularly useful in the treatment of skin conditions and other ailments.
Another interesting feature of Stinking Iris is its use in landscaping as a ground cover. The plant's dense growth habit and ability to form large clumps make it an effective way to fill in bare spots in shady areas. It is also effective at suppressing weeds, making it a useful addition to a low-maintenance garden.
Stinking Iris can also be used in naturalizing areas of the landscape. Its ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions, including poor soil and shade, make it an ideal candidate for planting in naturalized areas of the landscape. Its striking appearance and ability to attract wildlife make it an attractive choice for naturalizing projects.
One important thing to note is that Stinking Iris can be toxic if ingested, particularly the berries. It is important to keep this in mind when planting the plant in areas where children or pets may be present.
Overall, Stinking Iris is a unique and fascinating plant that has many benefits for gardeners, wildlife, and the ecosystem. Its versatility, adaptability, and low-maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for a wide range of growing conditions. Whether used as an ornamental, medicinal plant, or for naturalizing, Stinking Iris is a plant that is sure to impress and inspire.
30 Facts About the Stinking Iris
Here are 30 facts about the Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima):
- The Stinking Iris is also known as Gladwyn Iris or Roast-beef Plant.
- It belongs to the Iris genus within the Iridaceae family.
- The species name "foetidissima" means "most foul-smelling" in Latin.
- Native to western Europe, including the UK.
- It thrives in shaded or partially shaded environments.
- The plant produces distinctive orange-red seeds in autumn.
- Its flowers are typically shades of lavender, purple, or yellowish.
- Stinking Iris blooms from late spring to early summer.
- It has sword-shaped, glossy green leaves.
- The plant is evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Stinking Iris prefers well-drained, fertile soils.
- It can grow up to 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) in height.
- The plant's foliage remains intact during winter.
- It attracts wildlife such as birds with its seeds.
- Stinking Iris is cultivated for ornamental purposes.
- The plant is deer-resistant due to its toxic nature.
- It has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
- The seeds were historically used for their bright orange dye.
- Stinking Iris is drought-tolerant once established.
- The leaves were historically used for thatching roofs.
- It can naturalize in woodland and coastal environments.
- Stinking Iris has been mentioned in folklore and literature.
- The plant's seeds are dispersed by animals.
- It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
- Stinking Iris is low-maintenance once established.
- It can be propagated by division of rhizomes.
- The plant's toxicity makes it unpalatable to herbivores.
- Stinking Iris is adaptable to various light conditions.
- It has been observed in hybrid forms with other iris species.
- Despite its name, the flowers themselves are not stinky.
Video
Stinking Irises filmed between somewhere Lowenna and Mousehole in Cornwall on the 8th June 2024.
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