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Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' (dwarf crested iris)

Iris cristata 'Tennessee White'

dwarf crested iris

Vigorous groundcover
Prolific bloomer
Native cultivar

This delightful selection of our native crested iris came to us from Don Shadow in Winchester, TN. 'Tennessee White' is a vigorous spreader and prolific bloomer, covering the fan-like foliage with brilliant white flowers in spring, each accented with delicate yellow crests. Its late spring show starts earlier and lasts longer than the other selections we've tried.

SIZE
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Height

6-10 Inches

Spread

12-15 Inches

Spacing

12 Inches

Bloom Color

White

USDA Hardiness Zone 5-8

dwarf crested iris Interesting Notes

The iris was said to have first been adopted as an emblem in the 6th century by King Clovis of the Franks, after a clump of yellow flag iris had shown him where he could ford a stream and escape a superior force of Goths. It was revived as an emblem, the Fleur-de-Louis, in 1147 when Louis VII of France set off on the ill-fated second crusade. The emblem has been used since 1180 as a badge of the kings of France, and although referred to as the "Lily of France," was probably I. pseudocorus. The iris has been adopted by many kings since and has represented the birth of Christ in many classical paintings. Not to be outdone, even the Canadian Province of Quebec uses the Fleur-de-lis on her provincial flag. Countries of the world seem unabashedly attached to the beauty of the iris and in any one garden, English, Spanish, Dutch, Persian, German, Californian, Japanese, Lousiana, Pacific Coast, and Siberian irises may be found. - Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Allan Armitage

Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers rich, well-drained soils in full to partial shade. If grown in full sun, the soil must remain consistently moist. Benefits from the addition of lime and rich, organic materials. Is rhizomatous and can be propagated by division after flowering is done with a sharp spade or pulling apart entangled rhizomes (which actually give rise to healthier plants). Best used as a seasonal groundcover, in rock gardens, or added for woodland color.

Good Substitutions

dwarf crested iris Iris cristata 'Powder Blue Giant'
dwarf crested iris Iris cristata

Key Characteristics & Attributes

Full Shade
Full Shade
Part Sun
Part Sun
Moist
Moist
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Songbird-friendly
Songbird-friendly
Groundcover
Groundcover

Additional Information

Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Green Infrastructure
Woodland
Plug Type
Horticultural Plug
Attributes
Native to North America
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Late Spring / Early Summer
Propagation Type
Vegetative