Primula auricula 'Stripey' at Sequim Rare Plants

Olympic   Coast  Garden
Iris foetidissima 'Variegata'

Iris foetidissima and Iris foetidissima 'Variegata'

This evergreen iris prefers to grow in shade or dappled sunlight. Its height is 1½ to 2 feet. The flowers have light colors of pale lavender and plum. The seeds that come at the end of summer are a much brighter reddish orange, and last for many months, usually not falling off the plant until late March or early April the following spring.

Of the four photos shown here, the outer two show the variegated form of this iris, having creamy white stripes lengthwise throughout the leaves. These leaves show up very well in the shady areas of a garden that this plant perfers. But sadly, the variegated form does not usually flower and rarely, if ever, do berries appear on it. It is the unvariegated form of Iris foetidissima that will have the berries. So a choice must be made being growing the plant for its colorful leaves or for its colorful berries.

This iris is hardy from USDA Zones 6 to 9 (and to zone 10 on the West Coast). It is not always easy to find at garden stores. Our nursery offers it by mail-order on our website, click here.