When Iris Eyes are Smiling
These November-blooming plants will turn your garden into a winter landscape of wonder.
It’s almost winter. Half past fall foliage and not yet time for precocious witch hazel blooms and early snow crocus. The garden is dark and sodden—and then the Algerian iris begins blooming. Even though the plants in my garden are ancient, every year I gasp in delight at the sight of the first blossom. Some wonders never grow old.
Algerian iris (Iris unguicularis) flowers when few other plants dare. Blooming in an uncharacteristic season yet familiar in form, 2-inch lavender-purple flowers with white and deep gold markings first begin to appear in early November. Blossoming continues on and off throughout winter, pausing only for exceptionally cold spells when temperatures drop into the teens.
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