Thursday, September 22

Iris Cristata or Dwarf Crested Iris is native to North America and is indeed an American Beauty because of its lovely blue, white and violet colored flowers. These flowers bloom during late spring or early summers and make your garden look delightfully beautiful. Dwarf Crested Iris is a plant which can be used as a groundcover for the areas left vacant in the garden to give them a charming view. It can be grown in shady areas or partially shady areas. The soil should remain moist at all times to grow this plant.

This plant has spreading rhizomes which can hold the soil firmly. The soil should be fertile however; they can tolerate less fertile soils as well. They can grow up to a height of 6 – 9 inches tall and spread over 9 – 12 inches.

Dwarf Crested Iris is found on zones 4 -8 and has green foliage. This plant acts as a cover for small animals and have sword like hard leaves. Snails and slugs are amongst the common pests for this plant and can be prevented by spreading soapy water on the soil around the plant. You can also take other measures to avoid them from attacking the plants.

The Dwarf Crested Iris is a perennial plant and they remain green throughout the year. The plant can be grown by the method of dividing them when foliage has turned yellow and transplanting them where you feel they would bring more color and life in your garden. This plant is suitable to be grown in shady gardens, home gardens, indoors, patios etc.

Iris Cristata is amongst those plants which attract both humans and wildlife. Growing this plant in your garden would surely get you compliments from all your visitors and guests. You can plant them as groundcovers in shade beneath woody shrubs or large perennials.