Iris cristata - Dwarf Crested Iris - 3" Pot

Dwarf crested iris is an attractive, spring-blooming, rhizomatous groundcover native to the upland forests of eastern United States. It prefers part shade and rich, well-drained soil, although it can tolerate full sun if given consistent moisture. Its leaves are shaped like short swords about an inch wide and six inches long. They are arranged in flat fans and arch gently at the tips. Dwarf crested iris spreads readily through rhizomes to form thick patches of visually engaging foliage. In spring or early summer its large, blue-violet flowers emerge among the fans of foliage. These large, captivating flowers have a striking coloration and geometry. Six wavy petal-like parts spread from the center in two sets of three. The larger of the sets, known as falls, have a central white blotch bounded in deep purple and adorned with golden crests. Although these blooms are short lived, they create a breath-taking moment when planted in mass. This species is well-suited to rock gardens, shade gardens and woodland areas as a groundcover, front border, or along the edges of paths.