About
This dwarf, evergreen rhizomatous perennial, to around 30cm high, with tough, narrow green leaves. White flowers with lavender-tipped, purple-veined falls with a central orange line appear on short, upright stems in late winter to early spring.
About the genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow in well-drained or sharply drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil
PruningNo pruning required, tidy plant after flowers fade
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to bacterial soft rot, grey moulds and a virus; see Iris diseases