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Iris cristata 'Alba'

Crested Iris

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Iris cristata 'Alba' (ex: Ruth and Whitney Gorham) - ​This is the white flowering form of Crested Iris with yellow markings. Fans of foliage may stretch upwards of 8 inches with beautiful spring irises in accompaniment. It's vigorous and when in bloom will illuminate the open to dappled shade woodland garden. Small in stature, Iris cristata will want to colonize making a lovely carpet. Early morning and late day sun is also acceptable. Fertile, draining soil. Some sources may also identify it with the moniker Iris cristata var. alba. And we're not sure where it may have been found but we suspect it was originally collected from a wild population rather than stumbled upon as a sport in a nursery setting. For gardeners towards the northern end of its range spring planting is advised. Pot grown division.


Height:

6-8 in

Spread:

4 in

Colors:

White

Zone:

3 to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Iris cristata 'Alba'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Light

  • Dappled Shade
  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Border
  • Edging
  • Ground Cover
  • Woodland
  • Rock Garden
  • Massing

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining
  • Woodland

Origins

  • Eastern North America

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Iris

Common Name: Iris

From small woodland species and tiny forms happy in a sunny trough to those that stretch to one's waist and higher irises are among the most beautiful and unique of herbaceous perennials. They come in an amazing array of colors with fans of foliage that provide textural contrast to other garden denizens long after the flowers have passed. None that we carry are especially common. All are beautiful in the full sun border with many adaptable to pond's edge. They want a home! Pot grown division unless otherwise indicated.