Orris

Orris, Iris germanica var. florentina or Iris florentina, is blooming and it's the only iris I have in my garden at present. As you may well guess from its botanical name, it is common near Florence in Italy. Its sweet scent and flowers with pure white petals and yellow centres make it a stunning spring flower.

Orris is a reasonably unfussy plant to grow in the garden. Initially I did have it planted in the wrong place and there were no flowers. An iris loving friend put me straight so this year I have been rewarded with flowers.

It grows from rhizomes and has perennially green leaves that are sword-shaped and thick. These rhizomes are dried and powdered and are prized in the perfume industry where they are added as a fixative. It is also added to dusting powders and dental preparations. The essential oil is added as a flavouring to chewing gum, soft drink and gin.

Medicinally orris is used topically for wounds and internally for catarrh, coughs and diarrhoea.