Iris lazica
Lazistan Black Sea Iris
Item #: 2523
Zones: 7b to 9b, possibly colder
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 12" tall
Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade
Origin: Caucasus Mountains, Mediterranean Europe, Turkey
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L) ?
Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
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(aka: Iris unguicularis ssp. lazica) Iris lazica hails from Lazistan, a former Ottoman (southern Black Sea) region which was dissolved nearly a century ago after a testy regional divorce, with Turkey and Russia each receiving joint custody. Iris lazica is a close relative of the better known Iris unguicularis, with foliage that's wider (3/4" vs. 1/4") and shorter, and emerges at an angle instead of upright. Starting for us at the end of winter, alongside Helleborus x hybridus, the 1' tall x 2' wide (5 years) Iris lazica clumps are adorned with lavender-blue flowers. Unlike the sun-loving Iris unguicularis, Iris lazica is a woodland plant, thriving in light shade or a bit of early morning sun. It's also far more moisture tolerant than its cousin, so give one a try and don't worry...be lazi.