Algerian iris (winter iris) Iris unguicularis
Algerian iris (winter iris) (Iris unguicularis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Algeria and Tunisia to Greece, Turkey and the Levant. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Algerian iris (winter iris) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Algeria and Tunisia to Greece, Turkey and the Levant |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Algerian iris (winter iris) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: rhizomes
Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Algerian iris (winter iris)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Algerian iris (winter iris)
- How far apart should I plant Algerian iris (winter iris)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Algerian iris (winter iris) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Algerian iris (winter iris) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Algerian iris (winter iris)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Algerian iris (winter iris) flower?
- From about November for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Algerian iris (winter iris) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.
- What grows well with Algerian iris (winter iris)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Algerian iris (winter iris). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Fragrant lilac flowers with yellow-marked falls tucked among grassy leaves, opening in mild spells from late autumn to early spring. Flowers best at the foot of a hot, dry wall in poor soil; pick the buds to open indoors.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora