Florentine Iris

Florentine iris (Iris florentina) is a perennial herb. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. It is native to Saudi Arabia and Yemen and is naturalized around the northern rim of the Mediterranean from Palestine to Morocco. Florentine iris is a common and attractive garden flower, although it is perhaps not as visually dramatic as the bearded iris (Iris x germanica). In the Victorian language of flowers Florentine iris represents “message” (alluding to the mythology of Iris, the daughter of the Greek gods Thaumas and Electra, who was the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the gods).

It is likely that the Florentine iris was one of several irises that were growing in the palace gardens of Islamic Iberia. By the year 1500, it was widely cultivated around Florence in Italy, hence the common name. Today it is also cultivated extensively in Morocco. Commercially, the plant is grown for its rhizomes (orris root) which are dried. When sufficiently dried orris root emits the subtle aroma of violets – but for full effect this takes 5-7 years.

Orris root can be powdered and used in potpourris as a fixative to absorb essential oils and maintain the aroma for an extended period of time. However, the largest use for orris root is as an ingredient for flavoring gin. Orris root for this purpose is dried from two to five years, depending upon the brand. Orris root is also sometimes used as an ingredient in the Moroccan herb/spice blend ras el hanout.

Florentine iris is an attractive and interesting addition to any garden. It is easy to grow provided that the rhizomes reside atop soil that is well drained.

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