Florentine Iris

Iris florentina or Iris germanica
Florentine iris – perennial on a thick rhizome with an erect flowering stem to 60cm(2ft), and characteristic sword- shaped leaves. The large flowers usually appear in pairs at the end of the stem from early to mid-summer, and have no scent. The petals are either white with a pale lilac tinge and a yellow ‘beard’ or pure white.

In Greek mythology Iris was the goddess of the many-colored rainbow. Her name was chosen for this family of plants to reflect the variable colors of their flowers. The iris became the emblem of several French monarchs including Charlemagne and Louis VII and IX, and became known as the fleur de luce or fleur de lys -a corruption of fleur de Louis. The white Florentine iris was first cultivated in the Italian city of Florence during the Middle Ages, and the flower may still be seen on the city’s old heraldic arms. The value of this species of iris lay in the pronounced violet scent that developed when the rootstock was dried. The root, commonly available in powdered form, became known as orris, a corruption of iris. Orris has been used as a perfume since the days of the ancient Egyptians. In the late fifteenth century a mixture of powdered anise and orris was used to perfume household linen, while in the eighteenth century sweet-scented orris was a principal ingredient of the cosmetic hair powders that were necessary to maintain the ornate hairstyles of the day.
Orris root contains a volatile oil that acts as a valuable fixative in perfumery and stabilizes the fragrance of potpourris.
Powdered orris root makes an excellent dry shampoo and may be used as a talcum powder.
Orris root was once employed medicinally for chest problems, and the juice was considered an effective, if rather violent, purgative. Today orris is rarely used medicinally.
Propagate by root division and plant in late spring or early autumn in deep, rich soil that does not retain moisture. The plant will not tolerate heavy clay soils and requires a warm, sheltered position.
Native of southern Europe, especially Italy, and naturalized in central Europe, Iran and northern India. Grows wild on hilly slopes in sunny situations. Florentine iris is cultivated commercially, particularly in Italy.