
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.
Click to learn all about the genus Iris and to shop.
Click Add to Wishlist to receive an email if this plant is back in stock.
(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.