Iris tingitana (also commonly known as the Morocco iris,[2] or Tangerian iris,[3] or Tangiers iris[4]) is a species in the genus Iris in the subgenus of Xiphium.
Description
The 1.5 in (38 mm) (diameter) bulb is red-brown in colour with veining.[5]
The largest bulbs of the Iris subg. Xiphium subgenus are Iris tingitana.[6] In the US, bulbs with an 11 cm circumference are recommended to be used by flower producers.[6]
It has flowers in various shades of blue.[7] It has pale blue veins on the flowers and has generally between 1 and 2 flowers to a stem.[8] The stems is hidden by two channelled leaves.[5]
It blooms between February and May.[7] The plant can grow to a maximum height of 60 cm (24 in) and its leaves appear in the autumn.[8] They can grow up to 1 1/2 ft high.[5]
The name is derived from 'tingitana' from the Greek word meaning 'from Tangiers'.[10] It is pronounced 'ting-ee-TAN-uh'[2]
It is often mistakenly called 'Spanish Iris'.[11] The Spanish Iris is Iris xiphium.
It was first published and described by Pierre Edmond Boissier and George François Reuter in 'Pugillus Plantarum Novarum Africae Borealis Hispaniaeque Australis' (Pugill. Pl. Afr. Bor. Hispan.) Vol. 113 in January 1852.[12][13]
It can be propagated by bulblets, 1 to 4 small bulbs growing beside the main bulb which can then be taken off and planted to grow on to form a new bulb.[6]
It has a reputation of being a difficult species to grow in the UK.[8] Even in the US, it is restricted to be grown in mild climates such as southern California.[6] Due to the limited hardiness of the species, it is better grown in a bulb frame or grown in a dry border then lifted and stored like dahlias.[7]
It can be grown in pots for inside or outside displays.[17]
Cultivars
Known cultivars include; Iris tingitana 'Paris' (large dark blue violet flowers)[18]
