Gynandris sisyrinchium

The Iris or Gynandris sisyrinchium (synonym Moraea sisyrinchium) is a small bulbous plant closely related to irises that flowers in spring in the clayey plains of the Mediterranean basin, which are very arid in summer. Its flowers, which vary in color but are always in shades of blue-violet, are borne in spikes above narrow foliage that disappears in summer. It is a species that is very well adapted to its habitat: it will be quite easy to acclimatize in a garden in the Midi region that is not too cold in winter, in clay-limestone soil and in full sun. Cultivating it in pots in other climates remains delicate.

The Iris sisyrinchium, sometimes called False Sisyrinchium, is found from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to the far west of Europe, passing through Algeria, Sicily, Corsica, southern Italy, Greece, Egypt, Palestine, Asia Minor, Persia, and Baluchistan to Afghanistan and Punjab in the east. This species is protected in France, where it is only found in Corsican dry meadows on very alkaline soil, after disappearing from Var.
Its bulb, small and globose, is covered with shaggy fibers. In late winter, very narrow, incurved leaves appear. Flowering occurs from February to April depending on the climate, usually in April in Corsica and southern France. A floral stem rises to 30-40 cm (12-16in) from the ground. At its top, and sometimes on the sides, it bears a bouquet of small flowers with a bright blue-violet color, but variously marked with orange and white at the base of the petals, often fragrant. Each flower is ephemeral and only lives for a few hours: it opens in late morning and wilts in the afternoon. However, many flowers open successively. The foliage dries up after flowering, while the plant goes into dormancy. During this time of year, the bulb should 'cook' in very dry clay.

If your climate and soil allow it, this Gynandris will create beautiful spring scenes with fragrant Oriental hyacinths, dwarf irises, or Peruvian squills that appreciate the same growing conditions. Also, plant the bulbs in small groups among low shrubs such as thyme, lavender, or oregano. Left in place, they will multiply year after year to form flowering clumps in spring.