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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 herbaceous perennial features long; displayed in open seedpods throughout fall and winter
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed; these vibrant seeds provide a stark contrast
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds; despite the "stinking" title, image 60
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — thrives in partial to full shade; earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed, image 56
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Iris foetidissima is remarkably disease-resistant and requires minimal maintenance; scientifically known as Iris
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — commonly known as Stinking Iris; noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed, image 55
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — offering a splash of color in subdued landscapes._zones 5-9
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — earns its name from the unpleasant scent released when its leaves are crushed; these vibrant seeds provide a, image 65
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — this hardy perennial showcases delicate purple flowers in late spring, image 86
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — Despite the "stinking" title; perennial for full or half
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in height; while the flowers are understated and not highly fragrant
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — scientifically known as Iris foetidissima; its most striking feature is the vibrant orange seeds, image 63
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — perennial for full or half
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — commonly known as Stinking Iris; noted for its foul-smelling leaves when crushed, image 82
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — reaching 1.5-2 feet in height; while the flowers are understated and not highly fragrant, image 57
Stinking Iris (Iris Foetidissima) — While the flowers are understated and not highly fragrant; in the late spring and early summer, image 72
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) — perennial for full or half; making it a practical selection for water-conserving landscapes, image 81
Iris Foetidissima
Iris Foetidissima
Iris Foetidissima
Iris Foetidissima
Iris Foetidissima
Iris Foetidissima
Photographs by 15 contributors

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