Species Iris, Dwarf Crested Iris

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 Morerels dug at it (even cutting off one of the rhizomes), but it survived and grew many new growing tips the next year, forming much wider clump of cute little leaves. This year it's due to bloom, and probably I'll buy more to place around the yard, since it's such a hardy and compact plant.

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 most. Flowers are a beautiful lavender blue, with yellow, black, and white markings. An excellent plant! Combines wonderfully with Aquilegia!

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 plant as it's bloom time for us here in Southeast Texas is the same as the old iris Albicans (white cemetery iris) the heirloom iris Kochii ( beautiful dark purple) and the Dyke's Medal winner Dauntless. They have all been blooming for about a week or two. This is one to add to your iris collection for sure!!

Beautiful little native iris for a shade garden.

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 Moreplanted this 3 years ago one, under a Maple and another in the front of a shady border. Both clumps need to be divided this fall and I'm looking forward to trying it in other areas of the garden.

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

1) from rock ...Read Moregarden site

a) "Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours."

b) "Sow at 4*C [24-39*F] for 3 months, then place at 20*C [68*F] for 3 months."

2) from 2nd edition of Norman C. Deno's book, Seed Germination Theory and Practice - Deno doesn't have an entry for Iris cristata in this edition, but he does point out that regarding the host of different germination techniques for different iris species, "one size definitely does not fit all." However, the germination patterns that he has discovered among various iris species that require exposure to 40*F at the beginning of the germination process might be helpful with this one, so I hope anyone reading this will acquire his book.

Lovely dwarf Iris for the spring garden. Although it has a short blooming period, it readily spreads once established and is wonderful pl...Read Moreanted amongst taller and later flowering perennials.

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 Moret-tolerant. Forms colonies of little sword-shaped leaves--interesting in the woodland garden.