Iris bismarckiana

Iris bismarckiana

Native to:
Lebanon-Syria, Palestine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Iridaceae
Genus:
Iris
Species:
Iris bismarckiana
USDA Symbol:
IRBI2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet, white, yellow

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained calcareous soil
pH:
6.5 - 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky limestone hillsides

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds may show erratic germination over several months. Fall sowing outdoors often produces best results.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * sow fresh or soak old seed; prechill 4 weeks or place outdoors over winter and bring indoors once germinated to avoid temperature shock; transplant at 4 leaves

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society