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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

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) — In the late spring and early summer; iris foetidissima is remarkably disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — it blooms with pale lavender to yellow flowers; commonly known as Stinking Iris
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) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in height; while the flowers are understated and not highly fragrant, image 84
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima; its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds, image 90
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed; lavender flowers in the garden, image 85
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — commonly known as Stinking Iris; noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial for full or half
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring, image 86
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds; despite the "stinking" title, image 87
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring, image 59
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) — commonly known as Stinking Iris; noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed, image 55
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial for full or half; making it a practical selection for water-conserving landscapes
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds; despite the "stinking" title
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — offering a splash of color in subdued landscapes._zones 5-9; perennial with lavender blooms, image 89
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter; which become visible in the autumn when the seed pods, image 88
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial with lavender blooms

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