Iris foetidus

[Doris_J]

This is why we plant Iris foetidus! It's not the boring flowers. It's THIS!

[Chris_W]

I don't think the flowers are bad, but you're right, if you aren't watching for them you would never notice them. Some of mine didn't set seed, though

[rainiergardnr]

Ahhhhh thanks to the descriptions of this iris from my friend Doris - - I now have one of these!! - - will keep on the lookout for that great fall look next year! Thanks Doris and a big thank you to whomever brought this plant to the swap!! (Jake I believe)

[Garden_of_Mu]

They are fun when those seedpods split open. I have a big clump just abour to do so.

BTW- isn't the proper name i. foetidissima? It also comes in varieties with yellow or white seeds.

[Doris_J]

Yes, Mike, you're right. My Latin is rusty!

[PNWJudy]

........yellow or white seeds, too, you say?

Hmmm, Oh my! Now where can I get some of those?

[Garden_of_Mu]

Wish I knew. If I remember right Cathy J has one that is supposedly white, but it hasn't bloomed. I did find a woman that has the yellow seeded one, but have not been able to arrange a seed swap with her. If I ever get any I'll happily share.

[Doris_J]

They just keep popping.

[LucyGoose]

Doris!

[oldcoot]

Is this the sme Iris that is sometimes called "CORAL IRIS". If so O.C. has planted them several times, without seccess, but would LIKE to have some in his collection, so will try again next year. Can you save the seeds to replant ? Do they "MULTIPLY" from the seed they drop to form a clump ? Tell him more !! Do the rhizomes need dividing like Bearded Iris every several years................

That Funny & Friendly Old Coot, named John

[Doris_J]

OC, I don't know if they're ever called Coral Iris, but they do spread by seed, and I'd be glad to send you some. They're quite hardy in our area.

[oldcoot]

I would love some. Post me an address on PM and I'll immediately send an envelope and stamps...

Is now the time to plant or should I wait until spring ? Do they need full sun or partial, I can give them either,

That Funny & Friendly Old Coot named John

[Doris_J]

I just found a great link on Iris foetidissima:

http://www.paghat.com/stinkingiris.html

OC, I'll PM you in a bit. I'm going to collect seed. You were right, this one has been called Coral Iris.

[oldcoot]

Why would ANYTHING this pretty be called Stinking Iris ? Must have taken over a bed and the grower said "that stinking Iris is taking over my bed "

I beiieve I have a perfect place for them since they can stand a little shade. Would really add some tall green to the back of the bed and some color in the fall. I wouldn't even care if it did "propagate readily where I'm going to put them.

Once again thank for your kind offer.O.C. says "thank you for your post" !!

[Garden_of_Mu]

I. foetidissima is the only iris that will grow and bloom in full shade, but it does better with just a bit of sun. I would avoid putting it in an area with full hot summer sun. They are easily propigated from seed, blomed the third year for me, and don't seem to need dividing as often as bearded iris do. The 'stinking iris' label comes fom the meaty smell that is given off by the foliage when bruised. It doesn't have anything to do with the flower itself. They also come in forms that have white or yellow seeds, though these are not as common as the orange seeded varieties.

[Doris_J]

I want yellow seeds! I want yellow seeds!

[oldcoot]

I have a spot in the back of one bed that would be dappled shade and one at the back of my new Rock Garden that needs some tall green folliage. It gets some Sun through the trees, but will be more or less protected from our horried hot summer heat.....................

Looking forward to growing some.....................

That Funny & Friendly Old Coot named John

[oldcoot]

The Iris you sent me are still looking GOOD. Sure hope Feb doesn't get them.

Once again, thanks for the beautiful plants..........

Old Coot