zigzag iris
Iris brevicaulis
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size9 to 12 inches tall9 to 12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Deep bluish purple with yellow-crested falls
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Zigzag iris (Iris brevicaulis) is a perennial for borders, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The fragrant, deep bluish purple flowers have yellow-crested falls and open from early to late spring into early summer. Deer tend to pass it by. Birds visit the plant.
Pairs well with Cardinal flower, Cinnamon fern, and Joe Pye weed.
Native range
Central North America.