“It is very rare to come across an iris as sweet smelling as my Sweet Lena,” says Martin Holland, cultivator of our special fragrant iris. Sweet Lena, or Pallida Androfertila, is known to have the strongest sweet violet fragrance. It is blue/lavender with white trim, 24–28 inches tall, and often carries 5–7 blooms on one stem. Named for his mother, Martin multiplied the six irises she gave him until he had about 40,000, and sold them for 30 years. When he retired from iris farming at age 83, his stock of iris came to us. Read more about Martin Holland. Sweet Lenas are hardy, they adapt to most climates, and they are easy to grow. This is a Project F.A.R.M. (First-class American Rural Made) product.

Irises require soil that drains well to avoid rot. Plant the rhizomes 12″–18″ apart. Dig a shallow hole for each, barely cover them with soil and water regularly. If after several years you notice a decrease in blooms, divide and replant the rhizomes (you may never have to do this). Each division should have a healthy, firm rhizome and a fan of leaves.

Special Price: Buy 3 or more rhizomes for $15 each.

Please note that we cannot ship any plants or fresh produce outside of the continental United States.

Orders for irises ship between June 1 and November 1.