Wholesale Orris root

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on orris root

description
Orris root is the dried, aged rootstock of a variety of “bearded” iris plants.

Iris x germanica is an attractive plant with sword-like bluish-green leaves that are narrow and flat and the largest of all the species. The flower-sterns are 2 to 3 feet high.

The flowers are large and deep blue, or purplish-blue in color and bloom during May and June. The three bending petals have purple veins running lengthwise; the beard on them is yellow and the three erect petals or standards are bright blue, with faint purple stripes. The flowers have an pleasing scent, similar to that of orange blossoms.

The creeping root-stocks are thick and fleshy, spreading over the surface of the ground and of a brownish color.

common names & nomenclature
The plant is named after the rainbow goddess, 'Iris,' named due to variety of colors in the flowers of the genus.

Also known as:
iris, flag iris, pale iris, bearded iris, fleur-de-lis, garden iris, german iris, iris germanica var. florentina, iris florentina, iris pallida, iris germanica, blue flower de luce

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for orris root

Iris x germanica is a native of Southern Europe, very frequent in Italy, apart from its cultivation there, and is also cultivated in Morocco and many other regions of the world.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting orris root

climate
Prefers a sunny location in a cultivated garden, also suitable for woodland edges, small hillsides and as mass or specimen plantings.

soil
Prefers a well-drained soil that contains some lime.

growing
Propagation is best by division. This should be done after flowering, though it is usually successful at most times of the year. Larger divisions can be replanted direct into their permanent garden locations, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

harvesting
The root is harvested in late summer and early autumn and dried for later use. The root can be dried as cut pieces or ground into a powder and may take several years of drying to develop its full fragrance.

preserving
Store dried orris root in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.