PlantFiles: Grass-leaved Flag, Fleur-de-lis, Sword Lily, Plum Scented Iris
Iris graminea

Beautiful little plant. Quite hardy and vigorous here (zone 5a). Flowers placed a bit low among leaves.

Hardy in zone 3; also called "plum-scented iris".

This species can be germinated from seed, so am sharing some researched germination methods from 2 very credible sources, the better to get an overall feeling for what would work:

1) Tom Cothier's Website:

a) "Impervious seed coats. Shake in dry sand or nick carefully with a file.

b) "Sow at 18*C - 22*C (64*F - 71*F) for 2 - 4 weeks, move to -4*C to +4*C (24*F - 39*F) for 4 - 6 weeks, then move to 5*C - 12*C (41*C - 53*C) for germination."

2) from: Ontario Rock Garden Society website:

a) As in Clothier #1a - "Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper."

b) "Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24 - 48 hours."

c) i) "prechill 4 weeks, or

ii) expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months.

d) Gradually increase light and temperature in spring, [which can be done by bringing] indoors once germinated to avoid temperature shock.

e) Transplant at 4 leaves."

In #2, the Ontario Rock Garden Society also offers another germination method which is similar to Clothier's method in #1 and may be best for fresh seed. Personally, I'm inclined to go with the technique that involves prechilling since my seeds are not fresh.

This is a delicate, multicolored, fragrant flower which I look forward to every year. Foliage and size are unusual. There is nothing as lovely as one blossom and a leaf or two in a small ikebana vase. Although it is rated for zone 6-9, it has grown well for me at 2 locations in zone 5. Likes mulch.