perennial

White Crested Iris

Iris cristata 'Alba'

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White Crested Iris (Iris cristata 'Alba') at Valley View Farms

White Crested Iris in bloom

White Crested Iris in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  6 inches

Flower Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  10 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Description:

This dwarf crested iris features stunning white blooms with gold crests on very short stems in spring; a captivating addition to the perennial border; also excellent massed in groupings in the garden; will quickly form dense colonies

Ornamental Features

White Crested Iris has masses of beautiful white flag-like flowers with a gold blotch at the ends of the stems from early to mid spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its sword-like leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

White Crested Iris is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

White Crested Iris is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

White Crested Iris will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 8 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should not require much in the way of fertilizing once established, although it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Plant Form 
Ornamental Features