Spanish iris (Iris xiphium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spanish iris on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Iridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Spanish iris
Iris xiphium, commonly known as Spanish Iris, is a perennial bulbous plant that produces elegant and showy flowers in spring and early summer. Its petals, which can be blue, purple, white, or yellow, often feature a distinctive yellow blotch. It's ideal for garden borders, rockeries, or to add a splash of color in pots and containers.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Spain, Portugal, North Africa)
Care tips
It requires full sun or light partial shade and well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Water regularly during the growing and flowering period, reducing watering once flowering has finished and the leaves begin to yellow. Avoid waterlogging, as the bulbs are prone to rotting in overly moist soils.
How to save a dying Spanish iris
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, soft, drooping leaves; lack of flowering; rot at the stem base.
- First aid
- If rotting, remove plant, cut affected parts. Check drainage, reduce watering. Provide indirect light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in heavy soils. This quickly causes bulb rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and the bulb is still firm. Act fast.