Iris latifolia

Bulbous perennial of the Iridaceae family, Iris latifolia is native to the Pyrenees and the north of the Iberian Peninsula, where it grows in moist mountain meadows and alpine lawns, between approximately 1,200 and 2,000 meters.

It forms an upright clump of 40 to 60 cm, with broad, ribbon-like leaves, well developed at the time of flowering, which immediately distinguishes it from Iris xiphium whose leaves are narrower and hollowed out. The flowers, large, are of an intense blue-violet to dark violet, sometimes tinged with purple.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to July.

The name Iris latifolia has long been mistakenly applied to the Dutch iris in horticultural literature. The Dutch iris is actually a cultivated hybrid with no valid botanical species name; Iris latifolia refers to the wild Pyrenean species, and not the florist's flower.

Iris latifolia is clearly distinguished: its leaves are broader and present at flowering, its flowers are larger and darker, and above all it is confined to moist mountain meadows, where the Dutch iris does not grow naturally.

In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, in full sun, and withstands cold winters. It is suitable for rock gardens and natural-style gardens.