Iris pallida
Dalmatian iris
A semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial with sword-shaped, green to greyish-blue leaves up to 60cm long. In early summer, branched stems up to 1m high bear two to six scented, lilac-blue flowers with yellow beards, each up to 12cm across, that emerge from dry silvery bracts
Synonyms
Iris illyrica![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/visi161522.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver Blue | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Alps
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division. See dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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