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.[1]
All species in this subgenus are true bulbs, and are native to southwest Europe (southern Spain, Portugal and southern France) and northern Africa.[2]
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.[3]
Section Xiphium
Horticultural hybrids