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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 6–9Type Perennial
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Iridaceae

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Photos (110)

Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring, image 32
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods split open
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — making it a practical selection for water-conserving landscapes; reaching 1.5-2 feet in height, image 78
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this herbaceous perennial features long; displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter, image 67
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — evergreen leaves that grow in dense clumps, image 41
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial with lavender blooms; each approximately 2 to 3 inches across
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial with lavender blooms
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — thrives in partial to full shade; earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed, image 83
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this iris is drought-tolerant once established, image 50
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — evergreen leaves that grow in dense clumps, image 68
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — it blooms with pale lavender to yellow flowers; commonly known as Stinking Iris
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods split open; it\'s an ideal choice for underplanting in woodland
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter; which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods, image 61
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial with lavender blooms; each approximately 2 to 3 inches across, image 80
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Iris foetidissima is remarkably disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance; scientifically known as Iris, image 75
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — each approximately 2 to 3 inches across
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds; despite the "stinking" title, image 87
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in height
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — it blooms with pale lavender to yellow flowers; commonly known as Stinking Iris, image 70
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter; which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods split open
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima; its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — In the late spring and early summer
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — each approximately 2 to 3 inches across; offering a splash of color in subdued landscapes._zones 5-9
Photographs by 17 contributors

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