You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
Hardiness: USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F) USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F) USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Sun Exposure: Light Shade
Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color: Violet/Lavender White/Near White
Bloom Time: Late Midseason (MLa)
Foliage: Herbaceous Smooth-Textured
Other details: Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information: Non-patented
Propagation Methods: By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting: Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
On May 9, 2009, Joan from Belfield, ND (Zone 4a) wrote:Editor's Note
Rhizomes (thickened roots) and rootstocks, fresh or dry, of all Iris species and cultivars are poisonous if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and elevated temperature following ingestion. Some resources claim the toxic principal (irisin, iridin, irisine) only cause low toxicity if eaten.
Skin irritation can develop upon contact with seeds, rhizomes, rootstock, or cell sap.
We tend to err on the side of caution in PlantFiles, and the danger notation in the details above is to warn gardeners, parents, and pet owners to look further for more information.
On May 14, 2008, stormyla from Norristown, PA (Zone 6b) wrote:
This plant grows very well in shade and semi shade. The clumps keep enlarging and it is very floriferous for several weeks in spring. I planted this 3 years ago one, under a Maple and another in the front of a shady border. Both clumps need to be divided this fall and I'm looking forward to trying it in other areas of the garden.
For the frugal and adventurous, following is some research regarding the germination of Iris cristata seed:
1) from rock garden site
a) "Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours."
b) "Sow at 4*C [24-39*F] for 3 months, then place at 20*C [68*F] for 3 months."
2) from 2nd edition of Norman C. Deno's book, Seed Germination Theory and Practice - Deno doesn't have an entry for Iris cristata in this edition, but he does point out that regarding the host of different germination techniques for different iris species, "one size definitely does not fit all." However, the germination patterns that he has discovered among various iris species that require exposure to 40*F at the beginning of the germination process might be helpful with this one, so I hope anyone reading this will acquire his book.
On Dec 19, 2004, rcn48 from Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) wrote:
Lovely dwarf Iris for the spring garden. Although it has a short blooming period, it readily spreads once established and is wonderful planted amongst taller and later flowering perennials.
On Aug 4, 2003, Ladyfern from Jeffersonville, IN (Zone 6a) wrote:
The darling flowers are way too short-lived. It blooms from the previous year's growth, so it takes a year to establish and bloom. Drought-tolerant. Forms colonies of little sword-shaped leaves--interesting in the woodland garden.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Pensacola, Florida Atlanta, Georgia Marietta, Georgia Plainfield, Illinois Jeffersonville, Indiana Perry, Iowa Salvisa, Kentucky Ellicott City, Maryland Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts Mashpee, Massachusetts Westford, Massachusetts Howell, Michigan Royal Oak, Michigan Minneapolis, Minnesota Harrisonville, Missouri Beatrice, Nebraska Woodstown, New Jersey Brooklyn, New York Jefferson, New York West Kill, New York Clyde, North Carolina Elizabeth City, North Carolina Raleigh, North Carolina Willoughby, Ohio West Chester, Pennsylvania Rock Hill, South Carolina Summerville, South Carolina Knoxville, Tennessee Murfreesboro, Tennessee Newport, Tennessee Viola, Tennessee Blacksburg, Virginia Broadway, Virginia Lexington, Virginia Mechanicsville, Virginia
9 vendors have this plant for sale.
