A hardy perennial, growing on a stout rhizome, 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.) tall, with narrow, sword-shaped leaves. Flowers are white, with outer petals mauve-tinged and yellow-bearded, or occasionally pure white.
History and traditions
Orris, taken directly from the Greek iris, is the name for the powdered rhizome of the Florentine iris, which has been valued since ancient Egyptian times for its faint violet scent and fixative properties in perfumery and pot-pourri. During the 18th century it was incorporated in many cosmetic powders for wigs, hair and teeth. This variety of iris has been associated with Florence, in Italy, since the 13th century, when it was first cultivated there on a large scale, and can still be seen on the city’s coat of arms.
Growth
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Propagated by division of rhizomes and offsets in late summer to early autumn.
Uses
Aromatic
An indispensable ingredient for making pot-pourri and scented sachet mixtures. Let enhances the scent of the other ingredients and gives the whole preparation a more lasting quality. Also used in commercial pot-pourri products and perfumery.
Cosmetic
Occasionally seen as an ingredient of home-made toothpowders. A constituent of commercial dental preparations and scented dusting powders
