Perennial – Dwarf Crested Iris

Dwarf Crested Iris

Botanical name: iris cristata 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 6-9 inches in height with up to a 1 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-10 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 2-5 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: purple, white, yellow, blue 

Bloom time:  spring 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed

Propagation methods: propagate by tuber division 

Landscape use: shade gardens, groundcover, edging/borders

Special features: shade tolerant, cold hardy, heat tolerant

Light needs: 3-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  sand, loam 

Companion plants: ferns, woodland phlox, columbine 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no