Iris foetidissima

Also Known As

Coral Fruit Iris
Gladwin Iris

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 12"-30"
W: 12"-30"

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Iris foetidissima plant details

Iris foetidissima is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer lavender and tan flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Iris foetidissima

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 30 IN - wide, 12 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and tan blooms in spring and summer
Uses: clumping, cutting garden, edging plant, fragrant, pungent fragrance, rock garden, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Iris foetidissima

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An evergreen beauty that tolerates the shade even under cedars as long as it gets a bit of moisture. Excellent green spikes and a display of scarlet fruit in autumn and winter. Excellent for flower arrangements.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

An interesting plant commonly known as the Gladden or Roast Beef Plant (believe it or not the bruised leaves are supposed to smell like roast beef. Yah right). Foetidissima is cultivated primarily for its attractive orange seeds, the flowers are a typical blue or a creamy white and quite attractive in a species Iris way their scent however is odd and has been compared to Scoliopus bigelovii or disinfectant (it sounds like Cruise Ship food after Norwalk Virus cleanup). ZONE 6

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Its yellow flowers being "discreet, "this slowly clumping Iris with its dark-green leaves is better known for its seed pods of bright-scarlet seeds, decorative in garden or brought indoors to enjoy all winter. Sun-PSh/Med

By: Forestfarm

Dusky purple to lilac flowers late spring, striking scarlet seed pods fall, Do not deadhead, deer resistant, Zones 7-9

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Not the nicest common name, but valuable in so many ways! This bombproof plant has survived & thrived in some of the most awful garden conditions I’ve ever seen. Dogs, kids, swamps, clay soil, rock soil, drought, deer, abuse, neglect, cold, heat, etcetera. I’m not kidding! It’s one tough cookie. Not the showiest of Irises, it does has some very nice features - robust, healthy green foliage that stays evergreen even in dark shade, subtle flowers of purple and taupe that are delicately detailed with fine markings & best of all, bright red seeds that emerge from the large seed pods in Fall. Great for almost any problem area in your garden. The leaves have a garlic odor if crushed, but most people will not notice any “stink” from this plant! From Western Europe & Northern Africa.