My Favorite Plant

So many plants are special to me, but this one, Iris suaveolens, ranks at the top. To my knowledge, there is no common name and thank goodness, as even the botanical epithet is confusing. Among it’s several synonyms, Iris mellita, is still widely used. The iris is classed as a miniature dwarf bearded type (MDB).

Unlike most iris, Iris suaveolens possesses season long appeal, both in and out of flowering. It is a true miniature: literature states 3-6" whether fllowering or not. Mine never surpasses 4 inches. Compared to most beard iris, the inflorescence is a bit different in that the standards ( the three upright petals) dwarf the falls (the three downward petals). While standards are nearly 2" tall, falls reach only .5 to .75". The 2" high flowers are a clear, soft yellow with falls exhibiting brown or black veining. Beards can be yellow or bluish. There are purple flowering forms. The crescent shaped, linear leaves are blue-green. As multiple foliage fans develop, the gracefully arcing leaves assume varied angles and directions, and create a masterful work of art. Leaves on my plant are as fresh looking in fall as they are in spring. I have observed no disease or insects on my Iris suaveolens.

Because of the all season interest, this tiny irid is a perfect candidate for troughs. It requires free draining soil, and does best in full sun. As with all bearded iris, rhizomes need to be exposed at the soil surface, or it will not bloom. Native to the Balkans and northwestern Turkey, this species is a little difficult to find in the trade, but well worth the search.