Iris foetidissima L.
Gladdon
Stinking iris, also known as gladdon or the roast-beef plant, is a native British evergreen perennial grown as much for its autumn fruit as its flowers. Crushed leaves give off a curious smell, often likened to raw beef, which gives rise to its common names.
About
Stinking iris, also known as gladdon or the roast-beef plant, is a native British evergreen perennial grown as much for its autumn fruit as its flowers. Crushed leaves give off a curious smell, often likened to raw beef, which gives rise to its common names. In early summer it produces fairly understated flowers in dull, muted shades of greyish-purple, sometimes with yellowish tones, on sturdy stems among dark, strap-shaped foliage.
Its real glory comes later, when the seed pods split to reveal rows of glossy, bright orange-red seeds that persist well into winter. It grows in shady, often dry places such as open woodland, hedge banks and scrub, and is notably tolerant of sea cliffs and coastal exposure on a range of soils. Shade-tolerant and tough, it is one of the best native plants for dry shade, woodland-edge planting and difficult corners, offering year-round evergreen structure and long-lasting winter colour.
Also known as
Roast-Beef Plant · Stinking Gladwin · Stinking Iris · coral iris · gladdon iris
Synonyms
Chamaeiris foetida · Chamaeiris foetidissima · Iris foetida · Iris foetidissima citrina · Iris foetidissima flavescens · Iris foetidissima livida · Iris foetidissima lutescens · Iris gaditana · Spathula foetidissima · Xiphion foetidissimum
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.