Crimean Iris
Iris lutescens
- Native to:
- France, Italy, Portugal, Spain
Daniel VILLAFRUELA .,Thomas Krucker,jacinta lluch valero (www.flickr.com) from madrid * barcelona...., (España-Spain),Hans Hillewaert,( Hans Hillewaert ),Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Thomas Krucker,Tournasol7,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Juan Emilio Prades Bel,Tournasol7,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- Iris lutescens
- USDA Symbol:
- IRLU
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, purple, violet, white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained calcareous soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with limestone substrates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be slow and erratic. Seeds benefit from cold stratification and may take several months to germinate.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * 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