Iris pallida 'Variegata': Striped Foliage Iris with Fragrant Blue Flowers

Iris pallida 'Variegata' has foliage as showy as its flowers: bright green leaves striped with yellow and beautiful soft blue flowers with yellow beards. This bearded iris reaches four feet high and spreads indefinitely. Use to edge a border or grow at waterside.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Green leaves with creamy yellow stripes. Fragrant blue flowers on tall stalks in spring and early summer.

Care

Site in full sun or light shade and well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic or neutral. Keep moist during growing season.

Propagation

Divide in midsummer, or start seeds in a cold frame in fall.

Problems

Iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs, snails, aphids, nematodes, bacterial leaf blight, rots, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch all may affect plants.

Overview

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Pace: Moderate Grower
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
• Flower Color: Blue
• Foliage Color: Variegated Foliage
• Uses: Beds and Borders
• Seasonal Interest: Spring Interest
• Type: Perennials