Iris persica L.

Fully-hardy, bulbous, dwarf iris with linear leaves and stems with 1-4 silvery-grey to sand-yellow or pale green, scented flowers in late winter and spring.  To 10cm.  [RHSE, Hortus, Lynch].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Its beauty, early appearance, and fragrant blossoms, make it highly esteemed by all lovers of flowers; like the hyacinth and Narcissus it will blow within doors in a water-glass, but stronger in a small pot of sand, or sandy loam; a few flowers will scent a whole apartment: it will also bloom in the open air but requires warmth and shelter. […] Parkinson remarks, that in his time it was very rare, and seldom bore flowers.’  [BM t.1/1786]. 

‘Among the many old plants that have most injudiciously been disregarded by modern cultivators, the Persian Iris occupies a conspicuous place.  Its merits, indeed, are of so rare an order, that it is really wonderful that so few gardens contain it.’  [MB p.77/1843]. 

‘This beautiful species has been in cultivation in England for three centuries, for it was accurately described by Parkinson in 1629.’  [Dykes].  FS f.1045/1856.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.249/1843].

Notes

Published Nov 04, 2009 - 05:17 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 05:21 PM


Figured is a bulbous iris with pale blue leaves with darker blue and orange markings.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1, 1786.

Iris persica L. | BM t.1/1786 | BHL

More details about Iris persica L.
Family Iridaceae
Category
Region of origin

Middle East

Synonyms
  • Iris praecox Salisb.
Common Name

Persian Iris

Name in the Camden Park Record

Iris Persica 

Confidence level high