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Iris mariae
Mary's Iris (Iris mariae) is a small rhizomatous perennial from the deserts of Israel, Palestine and Egypt, prized for its lilac-purple flowers in late winter to spring. Its key to success is very sharp drainage, restricted water, and protection from frost.
Iris mariae (also commonly known as Negev iris or Mary's iris) is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the deserts of Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. It is fairly tall, with long and slender glaucous leaves, and in late spring, lilac-purple to pinkish or violet flowers with deeper veining and blackish-violet signal and dark purple beard.
In Europe, it is hardy to Zone H4, meaning hardy to -5 to -10°C (23 to 14°F) −20 °C (−4 °F)
It usually requires very good drainage, restricted water and protection from frosts, although keeping it barely dry during the winter, will make it more cold tolerant.
Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also, handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
In 1970, a stamp series named 'Israeli Wild Flowers' was issued by Israel to celebrate Independence Day, it included Iris mariae.
Iris acutiloba subsp. lineolata · Iris acutiloba · Iris adriatica · Iris afghanica · Iris alberti · Iris albomarginata · Iris alexeenkoi · Single Bract Iris · Iris antilibanotica · Stool iris · Iris arenaria · Iris assadiana
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Iris mariae by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
