Stinking iris / Roast beef plant 'Variegata'

Don't let the common name deter you; this native British iris is a powerhouse for difficult woodland sites. The 'Variegata' form is highly prized for its striking, architectural fans of evergreen leaves, which are boldly striped with creamy white and green. While the flowers are a subtle, somewhat muted lavender-grey and can be easily missed, they are followed in autumn by large, decorative seed pods. When these pods burst open, they reveal rows of brilliant, jewel-like orange-red seeds that persist throughout the winter, providing a splash of vivid colour when little else is happening. It is incredibly tough, thriving in deep shade and poor, dry soils where few other plants can survive. It is fully hardy and requires virtually no maintenance, other than the occasional removal of tatty old leaves. It is an excellent choice for adding vertical structure and winter interest to a shaded border or a wild woodland area. Despite the name, the smell is only noticeable if the leaves are crushed.

Sun: Full shade.

Soil: Most soil types, including dry and heavy clay.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Junps,.