Scientific Name:

Iris cristata

Common Name:

Dwarf crested Iris

Scientific Name Pronounciation:

EYE-ris kris-TAY-tuh

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Hardiness Zones:

3-9

Plant Hardiness Zone(s):

Usual Size:

4-9 in. H X 6-12 in. W

Flower:

Typical iris flower with three standards and three falls (sepals), but on a very short stem so that it often appears stemless; flowers are pale purple with a yellow crest on the falls.

Bloom Time Notes:

Spring

Leaf:

Sword-shaped, about 6 inches long, and yellow-green to medium green.

Fruit:

A capsule

Wildlife:

Flowers are pollinated by bees.

Natural Habitat:

Rocky, wooded slopes, usually along streams in rich woods.

Propagation:

Division of rhizomes in early fall or seed sown as soon as ripe with no cold stratification.

Bloom Time:

Sun or Shade:

Companion Plants:

Cultural Notes:

Dwarf crested Iris (Iris cristata) grows best in partial shade, but can grow in full sun if kept moist; does best in humus-rich soil; can spread quickly via its branching rhizomes to form dense colonies if conditions are right; snails and slugs can be a problem on occasion. Can be used as a ground cover.

The color can vary from deep purple all the way to almost white.

 

Other Scientific Names: Neubeckia cristata

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