Iris aphylla L. subsp. hungarica

Iris aphylla is a rhizomatous, dwarf bearded iris with grey-green leaves and branched stems bearing 1-5 purple or blue-violet flowers with yellow-tipped white beards in spring.  To 30cm.  [RHSE].  The variety hungarica is often taller than the type.  

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘[Iris Hungarica] is a native of Hungary: it has been lately introduced, and is quite hardy of course, with us.  It produces its pleasing flowers in the months of April and May, and is well worthy of a place in any garden.’  [LBC no.1970/1833]. 

Curtis’s Botanical Magazine relates Iris aphylla to I. plicata Lam. and I. pallida.  ‘Our plant is so very closely related to pallida that we are at a loss to find any other characteristics than those of size, scent, and glaucousness of the leaves.’  [BM t.870/1805]. 

It is figured in the Botanical Register under the name Iris furcata.  [BR f.801/1824].  The plant figured has red rather than blue flowers.

‘Flowering in May and June, and sometimes again in autumn.  [Iris hungarica] is not one of the strongest growing sorts, but is of middle stature, the leaves seldom exceed a foot in height.’  [OFG f.250/1854].  Iris hungarica was introduced to Britain in 1815 [JD] and I. aphylla in 1748.  [FC p.148/1859].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.238/1843].

Notes

Published Nov 03, 2009 - 03:29 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 05:29 PM


Figured are sword-shaped leaves and a flag iris with blue flowers with reddish falls.  Loddiges Botanical Cabinet no.1970, 1833.

Iris aphylla L. ssp. hungarica | LBC no.1970/1833 | HAAB

More details about Iris aphylla L. subsp. hungarica
Family Iridaceae
Category
Region of origin

Central and eastern Europe

Synonyms
  • Iris hungarica Waldst. & Kit.
  • Iris furcata M.Bieb.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Iris Hungarica 

Confidence level high