Iris magnifica alba

The juno iris or magnifica Alba is a superb pure white flower form of the majestic iris  discovered in 1977 in the Agalik Valley in Uzbekistan. This perennial plant is decorative with its large bright green leaves, and of course with its wonderful flowers , light and refined, which bloom for several weeks in spring. Like all bulbous plants, it loves the sun as well as a fairly fertile and well-drained soil. Very tolerant and adaptable, this juno iris is not afraid of cold, nor summer heat, nor summer drought. It can be planted in rockeries or in a bed where it will faithfully return every year.

The Iris magnifica Alba  belongs to the iridaceae family. The species is native to Central Asia, specifically Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It is a bulbous iris, with a bulb measuring about 3 cm (1in) in diameter and strong roots. The plant forms a clump that expands over time, reaching a height of  approximately 40 cm (16in) when flowering, slightly less if the soil is poor. The above-ground vegetation is autumnal and winter in warm and dry climates, rather spring to summer in cool and humid climates. This vegetation resembles that of corn, in miniature; the stem with very short internodes bears large shiny green leaves, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) wide. Flowering takes place in April-May, earlier or later depending on the climate. Each stem bears 3 to 7 flowers, 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) wide and long. Each flower is composed of 3 drooping sepals with a strongly yellow-spotted crest, and 3 smaller petals, narrowed towards the base, bent downwards.

In a bed or rockery, this Iris magnifica Alba pairs very well with muscari as well as with other bulbous plants with white or blue flowers. It can also be planted between low-growing bushes, with early ornamental plants, red tulips.