Algerian iris 'Mary Barnard'

Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard' | Also known as: Iris stylosa 'Mary Barnard', Sword Lily 'Mary Barnard', Iris 'Mary Barnard', flag 'Mary Barnard' | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

Iris unguicularis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial. Commonly called Algerian iris, i. unguicularis flowers during late winter and produces fragrant deep violet blooms. These contrast beautifully with the specimen’s many dark green leaves. Algerian iris should be planted in full sun and given well-drained soil. It dislikes too much moisture, and sand can be added to compost to improve drainage. I. unguicularis is ideally planted at the base of a sunny wall. It can also be used in herbaceous borders needing some winter colour, or in well-drained containers.

Rate it:
Plant
Known dangers?
  • yes
Dangers: comments
  • Avoid eating this plant, or you may have severe stomach upset. Its sap may irritate your skin.
Height [m]
  • 0.6
Spread [m]
  • 0.2
Dominant flower colour
  • Violet
Flower Fragrance
  • Yes, let it smell
Flowering seasons
  • Mid winter
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Awards?
  • Yes, let it smell
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
Growth habit
  • Compact
  • Erect
Environment
Acidity
  • Neutral
  • Alkaline
Hardiness zone
  • Z7-9
Heat zone
  • H9-7
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -18 - -1
Heat days
  • 60 - 150
Moisture
  • well-drained
Soil type
  • sandy
  • chalky
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Flowers & bulbs
  • Perennials
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • Fine fragrants
  • For Beginners
  • Colours
  • Show-offs
  • For birds & bees
  • Roses & classics
  • For every season
  • Author's choice
Garden type
  • Cottage garden
Garden spaces
  • Flower beds
  • Walls, trellises and pergolas
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 2 to 5 years
Found a mistake? Let us know
2 Related plants
Iris unguicularis

Algerian iris

PLANTS Iris unguicularis

Iris unguicularis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial. Commonly called Algerian iris, i. unguicularis flowers during late winter and produces fragrant deep violet blooms. These contrast beautifully with the specimen’s many dark green leaves. Algerian iris should be planted in full sun and given well-drained soil. It dislikes too much moisture, and sand can be added to compost to improve drainage. I. unguicularis is ideally planted at the base of a sunny wall. It can also be used in herbaceous borders needing some winter colour, or in well-drained containers.