Iris laevigata 'Snowdrift'
A rhizomatous perennial to 80cm with sword-shaped silvery-green leaves and white flowers with a pinkish-purple stripe in the centre appearing May to June. Thrives in bogs, marshes and the edge of lakes and streams
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Not established
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; thrives at the margins of ponds or streams. Tolerates some lime
Propagation
Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn. See dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and iris sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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