The winter flowering Iris unguicularis provides welcome herbaceous interest in the centre of the Systematic Beds.
Iris unguicularis is a vigorous beardless iris from the Mediterranean, though it is prolific in Algeria, hence the common name Algerian iris. It produces a dense mat of rhizomes on the soil surface, from which emerge narrow, grass-like leaves to 60cm in length. The large flowers are either stemless, or are held on short stems, and nestle amidst the foliage, and provide colour through the winter months. They are variable in colour from pale lavender to deep blue, with a central band of yellow markings on the falls. This species favours poor, well-drained soils and a sunny location, and is often seen growing well at the base of south-facing walls. When happy it will continue to produce a succession of flower from autumn through to spring. The genus occurs throughout the temperate northern hemisphere, and contains over 300 species of bulbous and rhizomatous species.