Variegated Stinking Iris Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' (v)

Names

• Family

  Iridaceae

• Synonyms

  Variegated Stinking Iris, Variegated Gladwin Iris, Variegated Roast-beef Plant

• Common names

  Xiphion foetidissimum, Iris foetida, Gladiolus foetidissimus, Xyridion foetidissimum, Xyris foetida, Ixia foetidissima.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Stinking iris is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes (roots), could potentially cause mild stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. While the plant's common name does not suggest its consumption, it is wise to avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these unwanted symptoms.

• To pets

  Stinking iris also has a low level of toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, especially the rhizomes, it could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. As with humans, it is best to prevent pets from consuming any parts of the plant to avoid these potential health issues.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' offers attractive variegated foliage and distinctive seed pods that add visual interest to gardens.
• Drought Resistance: It is well-suited to withstand periods of low water availability, making it appropriate for drought-prone areas.
• Shade Tolerance: This variety of iris can tolerate partial shade, providing flexibility in garden design and plant placement.
• Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care, it is ideal for gardeners seeking plants that do not need constant attention.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the seed pods can provide food for birds during the winter months.
• Deer Resistance: It is relatively resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a common issue.
• Soil Adaptability: Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' adapts well to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Gladwyn Iris seeds can be used for ornamental beadwork. Their bright orange-red seeds can be strung into necklaces or used in other decorative crafts once they have been dried.
• The seed pods of Gladwyn Iris can be used in dried flower arrangements. They can add a distinctive and long-lasting feature to bouquets or displays.
• Gladwyn Iris can be planted as part of a wildlife garden. The plant provides food for birds, as they are attracted to its colorful seeds.
• The robust, evergreen foliage offers winter color and texture in the garden. Its variegated leaves can complement other plants in a garden design.
• Gladwyn Iris can be used for erosion control. Its roots help to stabilize soil on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
• The plant can be utilized in educational gardens. It serves as an example of how variegation occurs in plants, which can be an interesting topic for horticultural students.
• It's used in sensory gardens, as the leaves, when crushed, emit an unusual scent that can add an olfactory experience.
• Gladwyn Iris leaves can be used in art projects, such as imprinting their pattern in clay or concrete for decorative tiles or stepping stones in a garden.
• The plant is often used as ground cover, especially in shady parts of a garden where other plants might struggle to thrive.
• Gladwyn Iris works well in designed plant communities or ecological plantings, where their persistent foliage provides year-round structure.

Feng Shui

The Stinking Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Stinking Iris is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Wisdom: The genus name 'Iris' is after the Greek goddess who was the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow. The plant is commonly associated with wisdom, as the goddess was known to link the gods to humanity, denoting a bridge of knowledge.
• Hope: Irises are often seen as a symbol of hope due to their vibrant and flourishing appearance, suggesting the idea of a positive future.
• Faith: People may visually associate the iris with faith due to the plant's prominence in religious art and its sturdiness as a perennial, which can be seen as a metaphor for steadfastness in belief.
• Courage: The iris, with its bold colors and upright posture, can be seen as emblematic of courage, perhaps drawing on its connection to the Greek goddess Iris, who travelled with the speed of the wind from one end of the world to the other, and into the depths of the sea and the underworld.
• Royalty: Historically, the iris has been linked to royalty and noble bearing, particularly the stylized form known as the fleur-de-lis, which has long been a symbol associated with monarchs and heraldry.
• Purity: The iris can also stand for purity, which is represented in its strikingly clean and distinct lines, and the way it stands apart in the garden, helping it take on a character that conveys a sense of innocence or chastity.