dwarf crested iris
Iris cristata
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 9 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Pale blue with gold-crested falls
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata) is a perennial for rock gardens, ground cover, shade gardens, and woodland plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The pale blue flowers have gold-crested falls and open in early to late spring, drawing hummingbirds and bees. Soil that is too rich causes rank leafy growth, so ordinary, dryish soil works best. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Woodland phlox, Butterfly milkweed, and Blue grama.
Native range
Northeastern United States.