Iris lazica

A deservedly popular winter-flowering species related to unguicularis but happiest in woodland conditions. 

Flowering sometimes as early as November but usually in February/March. Low-growing with violet flowers over broad fresh evergreen foliage.

£8

Various Irises

Iris barbatula

An exquisite alpine species with neat flowers at the base of narrow upright leaves. The flowers are a rich violet with a white zone toward the centre and a smart orange line along the middle. Very easy to grow here, and perhaps unusually for a Chinese mountain plant, untroubled by the relatively dry conditions or indeed by molluscs.

£8

Iris x fulvala

A very vigorous and adaptable but low-growing species that will thrive in ordinary soil or wetland situations in full sun. The large flowers are rich purple marked with a yellow toward the centre. 

£8

Iris prismatica

A dellightful small American species, with very fine delicate mauve flowers, marked with darker lines. Best in moist conditions in sun or semi shade but will grow in ordinary soils if not too dry

£8

Iris unguicularis Peloponnese Snow

A deservedly popular form - still in short supply. Smaller than normal unguicularis, the flowers are pure white touched with blue toward the centre. Perfect for dry sunny sites sheltered from the rain

sold out

Iris sintenisii

A rarely seen Eastern European species with finely crafted inky violet and white flowers among tussocks of narrow grey upright leaves. Easy and adaptable in sun.

sold out

Iris graminea

Related to sintenisii - another small European species with nicely shaped violet flowers among narrow grassy leaves. The flowers are plum-scented.

£6

Iris versicolor x pseudacorus Regal Surprise

This is a perfect combination of the two parents, with the striking violet and white bicolor of one and the ease adaptability of the latter - though without it's rampant tendencies. It doesn't set seed either so won't take over other parts of the garden.

Suitable for any wet site - from the pond's edge to damp soil in sun or part shade. I don't know why it's so rarely seen.
Fresh lifted rhizomes £8 each

Iris albicans

The true Middle-Eastern species – a bearded Iris with fragrant clear white flowers, touched with lemon toward the centre.

Grows and flowers freely in a sunny raised bed here under a Ceanothus papillosus.
£8

Iris lactea

A graceful medium-sized western Asian species with beautifully marked violet and cream flowers. In the wild it grows in well-drained sunny conditions which might lead us to imagine it doesn't need much moisture, but in fact good flowering depends on plentiful water in spring.

£7

Iris fulva

A legendary Iris (is that too strong a word?) from the deep south of the USA with flowers as close to red as any. This species is cold hardy but does have a reputation for needing more heat than we typically get in the UK. Nevertheless these seedlings have proved quick to flower here and very vigorous. For shallow water in full sun, so that it heats up quickly in spring. Thoroughly recommended.

lifted roots ~ £8