Iris unguicularis
(syn: I. stylosa) The little known, winter-blooming Algerian iris is one of our favorites for its ability to flower when few others dare. The narrow green leaves, to only 18″ tall, make a dense deer-resistant clump to 18″ wide. Starting in October/November (weather permitting), the clumps begin to flower with 2″ very fragrant, light lavender-purple flowers…continuing through April (temporarily ceasing when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F). Iris unguicularis prefers a dry and well-drained location. The Royal Horticultural Society named Iris unguicularis as one of the top 200 plants of the last 200 years!
