Moraea sisyrinchium Seeds | Barbary Nut Iris
LATIN NAME: Moraea sisyrinchium
COMMON NAME: Barbary Nut Iris, Annual Iris
Plant Profile
Barbary Nut Iris (Moraea sisyrinchium) grows as a low, corm in the iris family (Iridaceae), native to Mediterranean region and parts of southern Europe and north Africa. Mature plants top out at about Thirty centimetres. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the iris family, Moraea sisyrinchium is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. The Barbary nut iris has a real and distinguished place in research. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
Barbary Nut Iris works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Barbary nut iris is a low, cormous perennial of dry, grassy places, bearing grass-like leaves and small, blue or purple, iris-like flowers in the spring. To raise the Barbary nut iris, sow fresh seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the light. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Like the best garden herbs, it rewards growers twice: once in the garden with scent and pollinators, and again in the home as a traditional household herb.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Barbary Nut Iris under ordinary good conditions. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
At around thirty centimetres, it stays at a scale that suits modest gardens. It grows as a low, corm, so its place in the garden is easy to plan. Moisture matters most while plants are young; established plants cope with far more.
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