Iris foetidissima (Stinking iris)

Other names: Scarlet-seeded iris, Stinking gladwin, Stinking gladwyn, Gladwin, Roast beef plant, Blue seggin, Gladden, Gladdon

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Species

I. foetidissima is an evergreen perennial with glossy rich green leaves and small, dull purple flowers flushed yellow followed by orange-red seed pods in autumn to winter.

Season of interest

Flower
	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
Flower
Foliage
	Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
Foliage

Height and spread

Metric |
Imperial

Height and spread Metric \| Imperial
Size	Max height	Max spread	To maturity
1 m	0.5 m	2-5 years
3 ft	1 ft	2-5 years

Height and spread

Metric |
Imperial

Size

Max height

Max spread

To maturity

1 m

0.5 m

2-5 years

3 ft

1 ft

2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil

Soil type

Chalky
Clay
Loamy
Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained
Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid
Alkaline
Neutral

Conditions

Sunlight

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Full Sun

Aspect

East
West
South
North

Exposure

Exposed
Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Plant in in well-drained, fertile soil.

Suggested uses

Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, City, Wallside and trellises, Roof terrace

UK hardiness

USDA zones

Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect, Clump-forming

Native to

Southern Europe, Western Europe, Azores, Canary Islands

Drought tolerant

Flood tolerant

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.

Plant care

Pruning

Remove any dying foliage in autumn. Spent flower stems can be cut down after flowering. If desired, trim leaf fans to one third of overall height to reduce wind damage while plants are becoming established.

Propagation methods

Seed, Division

Propagation

Best to sow seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring.

Pests and diseases

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Companion plants (0)

Related content

Discuss this plant

Re: Re: Propagating Iris Foetidissima from seed

Shoot User

49603 0

Hi Ella, I have two large clumps of this species growing in my car park under a hedge. The ground is extremely hard and compacted. This plant grows anywhere and is extremely welcome in my garden. I took some of the berries in the first week of March last year and simply pushed them into a 3in pot with my fingers. Since the plant grows anywhere, I chose the poorest soil from my garden to put in the pots. I left the seeds in the pots and placed them under the parent plants ..... and forgot about them. I checked them last Christmas and there was still no signs of life. I checked them again last week and I have about 30 little irises per pot. I will now prick them out and give them their own individual pots. Once they have established good roots, I will plant them out in a shady spot (I value them more for the winter berries than the flowers). So ..... it has taken since March 2013 until late Jan 2014 to germinate outdoors. I never even watered them once. I let nature do her thing.

Posted: Tuesday 4th of February 2014 03:30 PM

Re: Propagating Iris Foetidissima from seed

Kathy N

49603 1

Hi, Ella,
Iris seeds have germination inhibitors. For I. foetidissima, soak in warm (some say hot) water for 24-48 hours. Then, for best germination, give them a cold period (cold straification) for 3 months. This can be done in a cold frame over winter if you sow them in autumn. Otherwise, put them in the fridge for 3 months, wrapped in damp peat (or kitchen roll if you don't have peat). Having said all that, I have one report in which the grower doesn't soak or stratify but they never said how long it took the seeds to germinate. I have also read of one person who nicks the seeds with a sharp knife after soaking, but not sure if this is necessary - I would suggest nicking some, not others and see which respond better. Most agree that it can take a long time to germinate, and germination is erratic (one site said it can take from 30-545 days!). Please let me know what you decide to do, and how you got on.
All the best,
Kathy C

Posted: Monday 20th of February 2012 10:08 PM

Propagating Iris Foetidissima from seed

Shoot User

49603 1

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to do this. I understand a cold frame is best, but is it true they may take a year to a year and a half to propagate?

Posted: Sunday 19th of February 2012 07:57 PM Last reply: Sunday 20th of April 2025 12:05 PM