Spectacular, but fleeting, stemless blooms have blue-lilac petals, each with a white patch and a yellow or orange crest on each fall. Crested iris blooms in May. Dagger-shaped leaves 5 to 6 inches tall form an attractive, cool green carpet of stiff leaves. ‘Alba’ is a white-flowered variety.
CareThis short, dense relative of common garden irises thrives in shade. It enjoys moist, acid soil, but blooms well even in dry shade.
PropagationDivide and replant rhizomes in fresh soil after 2 to 5 years.
ProblemsIris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs and snails, aphids, and nematodes. Bacterial leaf blight and soft rot, crown rot, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch.
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- Genus : Iris
- Zones : 10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 6 to 12 inches
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Light : Partial Shade
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White, Yellow
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