Iris hollandica (Iris hollandica)
Iris hollandica is a perennial bulbous herb with an ovoid underground bulb. It is reported to be perennial.
Overview
Iris hollandica is a perennial bulbous herb with an ovoid underground bulb. It is reported to be perennial.
Origin and habitat
Sources differ on the origins of its hybrid parents, citing the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, with accounts variously naming Portugal, Spain, North Africa, and Morocco. It is reported to prefer cool conditions and to tolerate cold and partial shade. In cultivation, it is reported to suit well-drained, moderately moist sites with ample light, while a source also describes it as favoring watersides and pond edges.
Characteristics
Sources differ, placing mature height at about 60–80 cm. The leaves are green and narrow, ranging from linear to elongated linear forms with sword-shaped tips. The relatively large flowers are solitary and terminal, with white, yellow, blue, and violet-blue forms, and are unscented. It flowers in spring, with the main flowering period differing between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; its fruit is reported to be an elongated oval capsule.
Light
It is reported to favor ample light while tolerating partial shade; insufficient light may result in weak plants that lodge.
Watering
The soil is reported to be best kept moderately moist while remaining well drained; insufficient moisture may result in shorter plants.
Humidity and airflow
It generally prefers moderate humidity.
Temperature and dormancy
With only a few sources, the reported minimum temperature is about 5 °C and the reported ideal range is about 15–22 °C. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.
Growing medium and mounting
It is reported to favor well-drained, moderately moist soil, with organic matter mixed in before cultivation.
Feeding
A source reports that phosphorus and potassium fertilizer may be applied during flowering.
Propagation
A source reports propagation by bulbs after the weather cools in autumn and indicates that the bulbs flower more readily after their low-temperature requirement is met.
Common problems
Insufficient light is reported to cause weak plants that may lodge, while insufficient moisture may result in shorter plants. It is reported to prefer cool conditions and to tolerate cold.
Identification
Iris hollandica is a bulbous iris distinguished by an ovoid bulb, narrow elongated linear leaves, and large terminal flowers commonly occurring in white, yellow, blue, and violet-blue.