Iris subg. Xiphium

Subgenus Xiphium is a subgenus of Iris. If considered a separate genus from Iris, it is known as genus Xiphion.

The Latin specific epithet Xiphium refers to the Greek word for sword xiphos.

All species in this subgenus are true bulbs, and are native to southwest Europe (southern Spain, Portugal and southern France) and northern Africa.

Mainly known for the garden cultivars known as Dutch Iris, Spanish Iris and English Iris. They generally flower between early to mid-summer and each stem produces between 1 - 3 flowers. Most bulbs should be planted in late autumn, 10 cm deep and between 5–10 cm apart.

Section Xiphium


 * Iris boissieri Henriq
 * Iris filifolia Boiss.
 * Iris juncea Poir.
 * Iris latifolia Mill. – English iris
 * Iris rutherfordii M Rodriguez,P Vargas,M Carine and S Jury
 * Iris serotina Willk. in Willk. & Lange
 * Iris tingitana Boiss. & Reut. – Morocco iris
 * Iris xiphium L.

Horticultural hybrids
 * Iris × hollandica (Spanish iris, Dutch iris)