Iris lazica
(aka: Iris unguicularis ssp. lazica) Iris lazica hails from Lazistan, a former Ottoman (southern Black Sea) region which was dissolved nearly a century ago after a testy regional divorce, with Turkey and Russia each receiving joint custody. Iris lazica is a close relative of the better known Iris unguicularis, with foliage that’s wider (3/4″ vs. 1/4″) and shorter, and emerges at an angle instead of upright. Starting for us at the end of winter, alongside Helleborus x hybridus, the 1′ tall x 2′ wide (5 years) Iris lazica clumps are adorned with lavender-blue flowers. Unlike the sun-loving Iris unguicularis, Iris lazica is a woodland plant, thriving in light shade or a bit of early morning sun. It’s also far more moisture tolerant than its cousin, so give one a try and don’t worry…be lazi.
