Iris pallida 'Variegata' (Variegated Dalmatian Iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris pallida 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata' 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. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to Dalmatian coast (Croatia).

About

Iris pallida 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, upright perennial reaching about 1.0 m, notable for its sword-shaped, often glaucous foliage and mildly fragrant flowers. It flowers from May to July. Plants prefer a sunny, south- or west-facing spot and neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. It suits borders, rock gardens and containers where a tall perennial is required.

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 clump-forming, upright perennial, Iris pallida 'Variegata' originates from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and produces its mildly fragrant flowers from May to July. Expect vertical, sword-shaped leaves that are often glaucous and a mature height around 1.0 m, which gives it presence without becoming overbearing. Position the plant in full sun where possible; it will tolerate some partial shade but performs best on a south- or west-facing aspect. Soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and free-draining — loam, chalk or sand are all suitable. Where bearded types are involved, sharper drainage is recommended. Water requirements are for a well-drained site; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. It is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK) and also maps to USDA zones 3–9. Use Iris pallida 'Variegata' in mixed perennial borders to add vertical structure, in rock gardens where sharp drainage exists, or in containers placed in sun. Its exposure tolerance makes it useful on both sheltered and exposed sites. The mild fragrance of the blooms is most noticeable on still mornings during the May to July flowering period.

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 'Variegata' 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
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers
Native to: Dalmatian coast (Croatia)
Fragrance: Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris pallida 'Variegata'

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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata'?

Iris pallida 'Variegata' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris pallida 'Variegata' need?

Iris pallida 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata' grow?

Iris pallida 'Variegata' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Iris pallida 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

Iris pallida 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →