Dalmatian Iris

Iris pallida (EYE-ris PAL-li-dah var-ee-eh-GAH-tah)

Family: Iridaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Dalmatian Iris is a flowering herbaceous perennial bulb native to the Dalmatian region of Croatia, hence the common name. In its native habitat, it can often be found in rocky places, limestone hillsides and the sides of gorges. It is a bearded Iris and has showy fragrant light blue-purple flowers and gray-green erect leaves. The flowers are sweetly scented of orange blossom or vanilla. The genus is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow and the specific epithet means pale. The cultivar, 'Variegata', features gray-green leaves variegated with stripes of creamy yellow. Plant the rhizomes partly above the soil line in the full sun to partial shade in moist well-drained high organic soils. It is easily cultivated in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil and prefers a pH between 6 and 7.5 or higher. It does not tolerate heavy, wet soils or deep shade, although it does perform better in shade than other iris. It is a very vigorous species. Mass plant it in a border, cottage, or rock garden where it can be grown for ground cover, producing a dense mat of roots that excludes all weeds. Established plants tolerate some dry conditions. Divide in late summer as needed. This plant is resistant to damage by deer and drought tolerant once established. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to iris borer. Watch for slugs and snails.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.