Algerian Iris is a purple-flowering bulb native to northern Africa and the western Mediterranean region. While it will grow in the sun, this blub is particularly attractive in shady areas. Its flowers appear in late winter and provide a much needed pop of color in the landscape. Consider mass planting it in border fronts, along walkways or near patios where the long lasting blooms can be enjoyed. Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Grey molds, bacterial soft rot, or a virus may occur.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Clumping; Erect
Leaf color
Green
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves can be up to 12 inches long.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut
Flower detail
Showy lavendar-purple flowers with yellow banding appear in early winter through early spring. The flowers are on short stems so they are low in the clump of leaves.
Bloom time
Spring; Winter
Fruit detail
Seedpods should be completely dry (while attached to the plant) before seeds are taken out.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Stems that hold the flower up can be as tall as 8 inches.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Africa and Mediterranean
Attracts
Butterflies; Hummingbirds; Pollinators
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Container; Patio; Slope/Bank; Small Space; Woodland