Unusual colours make hermodactylus tubers a lovely choice for gardeners who enjoy discovering something a little different. Known botanically as Iris tuberosa, formerly Hermodactylus tuberosus, the snake’s head iris pairs fresh yellow-green petals with velvety falls in deep brown-purple, almost black. These intriguing spring flowers rise above the soil on slender stalks, accompanied by long, narrow leaves. Their beauty rewards a closer look, whether planted beside a path, tucked into a gravel garden or gathered in a terracotta pot. Combine them with pale spring flowers to highlight their dark markings, or let their unusual colouring stand alone in a generous group. Sometimes called the widow iris, this distinctive plant brings a quieter kind of drama to the spring garden. 

Plant hermodactylus tubers in autumn, choosing a sheltered, sunny position with freely draining soil. Good drainage is particularly important in UK gardens: these plants prefer a dry summer rest and dislike sitting in wet ground. Where soil is heavy, containers filled with peat-free compost and added horticultural grit offer a practical alternative. Leaves can appear during winter or early spring, followed by the snake’s head iris flowers as the season develops. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in early summer, then reduce watering while the tubers are dormant. A warm, dry resting period helps encourage the next season’s flowers.