Iris Foetidissima

Description

The unusual "Welsh Gladwyn," is usually grown not for its quite pretty pale mauve flowers, but for the bright orange seeds which burst forth from the seed-pods in autumn, but do not fall until spring (as demonstrated in the picture). The botanical name refers to the fact that the crushed leaves smell like roast beef!!! Whole stems can then be cut to make an impressive floral display which lasts until the following year. Once you have a clump be sure to share the ripe seeds around you borders where they will slowly naturalise into trouble-free clumps!

Sowing Advice

Sow immediately at any time onto preferably a soil-based compost, covering with fine grit to approximately their own depth. Germination MAY be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. but many seeds WILL NOT come up the year they are sown, needing winter chilling after sowing, and ONLY come up with natural spring germination.

Key Facts