Iris foetidissima var. lutescens was originally collected in 1930 at 1,000′ elevation on a limestone outcrop near Tetouan in northern Morocco. Having been around this long, it’s strange that it is so scarce in modern gardens. Iris foetidissima var. lutescens makes a robust clump in the garden with 2′ tall evergreen foliage, adorned in spring with buttery yellow flowers. In fall, the seed pods burst open to reveal the brilliant orange-red fruit. In the garden, Iris foetidissima prefers light shade and well-drained soil. Thanks to garden writer, Graham Rice, for sharing seed from England’s Monksilver Nursery. Iris foetidissima was named as one of the top 200 plants of the last 200 years by the Royal Horticultural Society…quite an honor.
