| Extremely easy to grow and divide, their rainbow of papery petals and fuzzy "beards" that decorate the lower petals appeal to every flower lover. The large, elegant flowers come in every color except true red, and some have a grapelike fragrance. Heights range from dwarf to medium and tall, 9 inches to 4 feet. Some types bloom in spring and fall. Check specialty catalogs for hundreds of varieties. The fleshy divisions called rhizomes are available in the fall. Plant immediately, as they dry out quickly. Keep the rhizome's surface exposed, except in hot areas, where you should cover them lightly with soil. Cut back foliage on established plants only after it starts to die back naturally. Divide every 3 to 4 years after bloom to maintain vigor. Watch for rot in heavy soil and Iris borer. |
A parent of the hybrid Bearded Iris, it has yellow or white-variegated foliage and fragrant lavender flowers. The roots are ground for the violet-scented fixative used in perfumes and potpourri.
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Attributes - Iris pallida variegata
Plant Type: Bulb
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Early Summer
Flower Color: Lavender
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 3 ft. to 4 ft.
Width: 2 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Notes: Container Plants, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Black Spot, Caterpillars, Root Rot, Rust.
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