Species Iris, Dwarf Crested Iris

Iriscristata

Family
Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Iris (EYE-ris)
Species
cristata (kris-TAY-tuh)
Synonym
Evansia cristata
Iris glumacea
Iris odorata
Neubeckia cristata
Spacing
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Hardiness
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
Sun Exposure
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Danger
Light Shade
Bloom Color
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Foliage
Lavender
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Other Details
Other details
Propagation Methods
Herbaceous
Smooth
Seed Collecting
Soil pH requirements
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Patent Information
Awards (if applicable)
Foliage Color
Bloom Characteristics
Perennials
Water Requirements
Where to Grow
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Auburn, Alabama

Morrilton, Arkansas

Gainesville, Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Atlanta, Georgia

Cornelia, Georgia

Marietta, Georgia

Plainfield, Illinois

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Portland, Indiana

Perry, Iowa

Barbourville, Kentucky

Salvisa, Kentucky

Buckfield, Maine

Ellicott City, Maryland

Dracut, Massachusetts

Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Mashpee, Massachusetts

Westford, Massachusetts

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Howell, Michigan

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hopkins, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota(2 reports)

Harrisonville, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

Beatrice, Nebraska

Woodstown, New Jersey

Brooklyn, New York

Jefferson, New York

Oyster Bay, New York

West Kill, New York

Burlington, North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Clyde, North Carolina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Greensboro, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina

Mount Orab, Ohio

Willoughby, Ohio

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Charleston, South Carolina

Florence, South Carolina

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Summerville, South Carolina

Knoxville, Tennessee

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Newport, Tennessee

Viola, Tennessee

Conroe, Texas

Blacksburg, Virginia

Broadway, Virginia

Leesburg, Virginia

Lexington, Virginia

Mechanicsville, Virginia

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

9
positives
3
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
G
De Pere, WI | August 2016 | neutral

Help! my Dwarf Crested Irises that were planted in the beginning of June are turning yellow, and the tips of the leaves are browning. Is ...Read More

C
ROSLINDALE, MA | March 2015 | positive

A lovely little native woodland iris that spreads vigorously where happy, but does not grow densely enough to smother weeds. The flowers ...Read More

J
Conroe, TX | April 2014 | positive

I'm located about 50 miles north of Houston in Montgomery County this is the second year Since I planted and is coming up again in more n...Read More

M
Hopkins, MN (Zone 4a) | May 2012 | positive

Adorable, and tough. I planted some of these last fall under a huge double-trunked cedar, where many other plants have failed. It thriv...Read More

E
Minneapolis, MN | April 2011 | positive

I put this plant in a somewhat dry place next to a tree, and expected it to die because its rhizomes look so small and scrawny, and squir...Read More

D
(Daniel) Mount Orab, OH (Zone 6b) | May 2010 | positive

Very small is all I can say, + the fact that the blooms are just tiny! Leaves are lighter green than other Irises, but bloom earlier than...Read More

2
Humble, TX (Zone 8b) | March 2010 | positive

Iris cristata is a very beautiful little plant. As of yesterday (march 21) one stalk had 7 blossom on it.
This is a great little...Read More

K
Beatrice, NE (Zone 5b) | May 2009 | positive

Beautiful little native iris for a shade garden.

S
Norristown, PA (Zone 6b) | May 2008 | positive

This plant grows very well in shade and semi shade. The clumps keep enlarging and it is very floriferous for several weeks in spring. I ...Read More

B
(Zone 7a) | January 2007 | neutral

For the frugal and adventurous, following is some research regarding the germination of Iris cristata seed:

1) from rock ...Read More

R
R
Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) | December 2004 | positive

Lovely dwarf Iris for the spring garden. Although it has a short blooming period, it readily spreads once established and is wonderful pl...Read More

L
Jeffersonville, IN (Zone 6a) | August 2003 | neutral

The darling flowers are way too short-lived. It blooms from the previous year's growth, so it takes a year to establish and bloom. Drough...Read More

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