Overview
Iris pallida is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris pallida grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Iris pallida, the Dalmatian iris or sweet iris, is a hardy flowering perennial plant of the genus Iris, family Iridaceae. It is native to the Dalmatian coast (Croatia) but widely naturalised elsewhere.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris pallida
About the genus
Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.
Written by Henry
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris pallida size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris pallida
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris pallida?
Iris pallida prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris pallida need?
Iris pallida grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris pallida hardy in the UK?
Iris pallida has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris pallida?
Division, seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)