Stinking Iris
Iris Foetidissima
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

Culture
- Sun
- Full, Half
- Water
- Extra in Summer, High
- USDA zones
- 6–9
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Perennial
- Family
- Iridaceae
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (110)
























Photographs by 17 contributors
- Andrea Moro, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- John Barkla, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Michel Pansiot, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- Mike Finn from Worcester, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 · source
- christine Quenaon, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- Unknown, possibly Michel Pansiot, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- Frederique Parent, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- CorentinD, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Milka Crestin, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- Porzana, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- par User:WeFt ( fr ), CC BY 2.5 · source
- Mike Finn, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Caleb Catto, CC BY 4.0 · source
- naturewatchwidow, CC BY 4.0 · source
- M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
- Sylvain Piry, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · source
- Daniel Jolivet, CC BY 2.0 · source
Related plants

Perennial
African Iris
Dietes Iridioides
FullUSDA 3–11

Perennial
Angel's Fishing Rod
Dierama Pulcherrimum
HalfUSDA 7–10

Perennial
Angel's Fishing Rod
Dierama Igneum
HalfUSDA 7–10

Perennial
Apostle Plant
Neomarica Caerulea
HalfUSDA 7–9

Bulb
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum cilicicum
FullUSDA 3–8

Bulb
Baboon Flower
Babiana Stricta
HalfUSDA 9–10