COLOUR is always welcome in the winter garden at a time when flowers are scarce, the light low and the days are short. Bright barked dogwoods and willows may bring something to the picture and evergreens, especially the golden or variegated forms may brighten the scene. Long lasting berries, however, can sometimes be the most dependable and satisfying elements.

The unfortunately named ‘Stinking Iris,’ is certainly one of the best performers in this respect. Its fat green seed pods burst open from late autumn to reveal the pressed lines of its extraordinarily vibrant orange fruits. Each seed a shiny, waxy capsule, which fortunately proves much more attractive to our eyes than to the hungry birds. They can sit like glittering jewels among the tough evergreen spears of foliage for months before finally fading from sight as spring’s fresher gems emerge.

This is actually a not so common British native plant, and an immensely useful garden plant. It can, however, be overlooked during its early summer flowering time, as its typical iris flowers although pleasant are a dullish grey-blue and are held rather low among the foliage. It is certainly a versatile ‘good-doer,’ however. Unlike most of the showier iris, its deep green sword like leaves are held throughout the year and it slowly builds into large ground-covering clumps. Best of all, it will thrive virtually anywhere, including those desperately difficult to fill dry shady areas at the bases of trees.

So where does the stink in the name of these stinking iris come from? It is not from the flowers, which if they have an aroma of any kind, is just a feint but pleasant perfume. Neither is it from the plant itself, unless and until you go to some trouble to extract it. Crush a leaf and have a sniff, and the distinctive, slightly artificial and over-strong flavour of roast beef crisps comes across. It is so particular an aroma that one alternative name for it is ‘The Roast Beef Plant.’ ‘Gladwyn,’ ‘Gladden,’ ‘Gladdon’, or ‘Gladwin’ are yet more alternative names for this remarkable plant, described in some ancient herbals as "of a lothsome smell or stinke, almost like unto the stinking worme.”

Don’t be put off though, a kinder name for this beauty is the ‘Coral Iris’ and it is well worth seeking out.

Chris Crowder is head gardener at Levens Hall

chris.crowder@me.com

Jobs to do this week:

Winter gales and storms can prove trying for establishing trees and shrubs in the garden. Check tree ties are secure, yet not biting into the expanding bark. Check fleece protection is still in place sheltering the more tender plants.

Keep feeding the birds, as food will remain scarce for them as cold weather continues. Remember water too, especially in freezing weather.

Vegetables don’t like growing in the same soil year after year. Pest and diseases build up and specific nutrients are depleted. Move their growing positions around within the plot by planning a simple crop rotation now.