toughleaf iris
Iris tenax
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White , pink , yellow , purple
- Foliage color
- Yellow-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Toughleaf iris (Iris tenax) is a perennial for borders, meadows, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Give it a well-drained spot, because wet soil can kill it. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Hummingbirds visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Buffalo grass, Mountain laurel, and Trumpet honeysuckle.
Native range
CA, OR, and WA; BC.