Iris cristata: Crested Iris with Blue-Lilac Flowers for Shade

Iris cristata (crested iris) has spectacular but fleeting stemless blooms with blue-lilac petals, each with a white patch and yellow or orange crest on each fall. Blooms in May. Dagger-shaped leaves 5–6 inches tall form an attractive cool green carpet. 'Alba' is a white-flowered variety.

Care

Thrives in shade. Enjoys moist, acid soil, but blooms well even in dry shade.

Propagation

Divide and replant rhizomes in fresh soil after 2–5 years.

Problems

Iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs and snails, aphids, nematodes. Bacterial leaf blight and soft rot, crown rot, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch.

Overview

• Height: 6–12 in.
• Light: Part Shade Only
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Characteristics: Native, Showy Flowers
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Blue, Salmon, White, Yellow
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Cut Flower
• Seasonal Interest: Spring Interest
• Type: Perennials