Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens (Dalmatian iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to Alps.

About

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Iris genus that produces scented flowers. It carries sword-shaped to grassy foliage that is often glaucous and reaches about 1.0 m. Plants produce blooms from May to July and suit sunny, south- or west-facing sites. Handle with care, as the plant is harmful if eaten.

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

In the garden

A member of the Iridaceae grown for its spring and early-summer blooms, Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens originates in alpine regions and forms architectural, upright clumps. The foliage is typically sword-shaped and often glaucous, giving a cool, blue‑green texture through the growing season, with flower stems to about 1.0 m. Give this iris a sunny position (full sun; some specimens tolerate light shade) on neutral to slightly alkaline soil. It favours loam, chalk or sandy ground and performs best where drainage is reliable — the published guidance recommends sharply drained conditions for bearded types. Plant on a south or west-facing bank or border to maximise flowering and situate where exposure may be open or a little sheltered. Hardiness H5–H7 means it is considered hardy in most of the UK (H5 = hardy, H6 = very hardy, H7 = fully hardy). Use it in a sunny mixed border, on chalk or gravel areas, or where its 1.0 m stems provide vertical emphasis. All parts are harmful if eaten; wear gloves and appropriate protective equipment when handling, and consult the HTA guide for pet-safety details. Its scented flowers appear from May to July above the blue‑green leaves.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Alps
Fragrance: Flower
Toxicity: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens?

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens need?

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

How big does Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens grow?

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens hardy in the UK?

Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

Is Iris pallida var. dalmatica of gardens toxic?

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →