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Stinking Iris

Iris Foetidissima

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Overview

Iris foetidissima, commonly known as Stinking Iris, thrives in partial to full shade, reaching 1.5-2 feet in height. Noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed, this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring. Post-bloom, its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds, displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter, offering a splash of color in subdued landscapes._zones 5-9.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 6–9
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in heightStinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — commonly known as Stinking IrisStinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushedStinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — thrives in partial to full shadeStinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Iris foetidissima is remarkably disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenanceStinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — making it a practical selection for water-conserving landscapes+83

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
6–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Iridaceae

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Photos (90)

Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in height
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — commonly known as Stinking Iris
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — thrives in partial to full shade
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Iris foetidissima is remarkably disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — making it a practical selection for water-conserving landscapes
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — In the late spring and early summer
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — presents a peculiar yet intriguing addition to your garden
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — While the flowers are understated and not highly fragrant
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — each approximately 2 to 3 inches across
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — it blooms with pale lavender to yellow flowers
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — offering a splash of color in subdued landscapes._zones 5-9
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — It\'s an ideal choice for underplanting in woodland settings or adding to shaded border areas
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods split open
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — lavender flowers in the garden
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this herbaceous perennial features long
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Despite the "stinking" title
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — evergreen leaves that grow in dense clumps
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — These vibrant seeds provide a stark contrast against the foliage and are a draw for birds

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