The Gorgeous Iris

Irises are found in variety of colors ranging from deep purples, bronzes and browns to pink and sky blue and this is why they are known as the rainbows of the summer gardens. Due to this it has got its name from the messenger of gods, Iris, who was considered to have rainbow wings.

Beauty of an iris is enough for giving good health. The scent of its flowers give a healing effect in aromatherapy and even simply looking at the beauty of the flowers one can get a therapeutic effect on one’s body. But having a rainbow of irises in one’s herb garden is not possible since they use a huge space.

Not all the species of iris have herbal quality. The foliage is sword-like which gives the plant an artist look whole year and the colorful flowers – delicate white or blue, strong yellow give the garden a shimmering effect.

Farmers are growing and using this plant for a long time. In the middle ages the European herbalists used it. Even Egyptians used it way back in 1540 BC.

Rhizomes from Irises, today, are mostly used to make an orris root which is used in potpourri and perfumery. Orris root has been the key ingredient in the scent industry from the 15th century. It has the capability to fix other scents. Orris root is a major ingredient of potpourri.

Irises, today, mainly come from Italy. Orris root is taken from Iris pallida, Iris germanica and Iris florentina who are closely related. Rhizomes are harvested after the iris has fully grown for two to three years. The strength of the scent is the strongest if the rhizomes are dried for two years minimum, after the process of digging, peeling and then chopping and grating while still soft and fresh.

Iris florentina, out of three, is the best choice for a herb garden. It is whitish mauve in color and has a sweet scent.

We also find Iris pseudacorus and Iris versicolor – the two different herbal flags in yellow and blue. The yellow iris comes from Europe whereas the blue comes from North America. They prefer wet soil to grow. Though being the smallest iris versicolor is very pretty. It requires an open area where it makes huge clumps.

Its roots are medically useful. North American Indians used blue flags for poultices for burns, swelling and scores. Even the aroma of its root keeps snakes away.

Roast beef plant with the botanical name Iris foetidissima, is also used medicinally. It is found dangerous and thus it is not used anymore.