Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Iridaceae
Botanical Name
IRIS cristata
Plant Common Name
Crested Iris
General Description
A charming plant for the woodland or shade garden, this creeping herbaceous perennial is native to the eastern and central United States. It spreads by short, slender, shallow rhizomes to form large clumps of low, flexuous, sword-shaped leaves. Relatively large lavender-blue flowers are held just above the leaves in spring. The three spreading flower sepals bear prominent white or yellow crests; the three petals and petal-like styles are erect. The leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season. Several cultivars are available, including white-flowered selections.
This little beauty does best in rich, moist, well drained soil in partial sun, but will tolerate sandy soil and considerable shade. Plant it with the rhizomes partly exposed. Propagate by seed, or by division in early summer. It is ideal as a small-scale ground cover for naturalistic gardens, or as a "knitter" between taller shade-lovers such as Dicentra specatilis and astilbes.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 10
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
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Width
6"-18" / 15.2cm - 45.7cm
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
World/Pandemic, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia
