Plantoftheweek IRIS UNGUICULARIS ‘MARY BARNARD’

THIS durable Mediterranean iris produces sizeable blooms on individual stems from November. Each has violetblue petals which open readily in a warm room. For garden value, Iris unguicularis Mary Barnard has tidier, slimmer leaves and flowers in a more intense purple-blue. Though pretty outside, the flowers are lovely if gathered in bud and allowed to open in a warm room. Plant this Mediterranean species in full sun and fastdraining soil. The base of a sunny wall is ideal. For neatness, cut all foliage hard back each October. The new flowers will be unencumbered by untidy, half-dead foliage.