Summary
The colorful blooms and easy culture of dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata) make it a valuable addition to the shady, native woodland garden. In mid spring, this attractive perennial groundcover is a mass of pale to deep-violet blooms that reach 4-6” in height. Its 5-6” long, sword-like leaves arise from small rhizomes that quickly spread, to form impressive colonies with a unique textural quality. Dwarf crested iris does well in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade and, once established, is dependably drought tolerant. It complements other woodland plants such as woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), sessile-leaf bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), golden-seal (Hydrastis canadensis), and yellow trillium (Trillium luteum). Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial-rhizome - Sun/Shade Conditions
shade-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist - Flowering Period
mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
blue, purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
green, tan
Additional Information
American Beauties, Flora of North America, U.S. Forest Service- Celebrating Wildflowers