IRIS PALLIDA VARIEGATA

IRIS PALLIDA VARIEGATA
Grower Notes:

The Sweet Iris, Iris pallida 'Variegata' (often sold interchangeably with 'Aurea Variegata'), is an attractive herbaceous perennial cherished for its stunning, ornamental foliage. This cultivar features stiff, sword-shaped leaves that are beautifully striped with bold vertical bands of creamy yellow or pale gold and soft blue-green, offering dramatic textural and color interest throughout the entire growing season. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of fragrant, showy flowers in shades of pale lavender-blue or lilac-purple, often with a fuzzy yellow beard. Growing to a mature height of 12-15 inches, its upright, clumping habit makes it an excellent accent plant for borders, cottage gardens, or rockeries.

Variegated Iris thrives in full sun to part shade and, crucially, needs excellent, sharp drainage, as the plant will not tolerate heavy, wet soil. While it is more shade-tolerant than many bearded irises, the striking variegation is most brilliant when exposed to full sun. The rhizome should be positioned so that the top portion is exposed to the sun and air. This iris is quite drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care, though dividing the dense clumps every 3 to 4 years in late summer will maintain plant vigor and prolific flowering. It is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, adding to its appeal as a low-maintenance landscape choice.