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(Iris pumila)
Dwarf Iris (Iris pumila)
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Valerii Darmostuk
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Valerii Darmostuk
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Valerii Darmostuk | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Valerii Darmostuk | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-23T13:53:02-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Iris pumila, commonly known as Dwarf Iris, is a deciduous perennial herb native to grasslands, meadows, and the edges of forests in Southeastern and Central Europe, as well as Central Asia and the Caucasus. It typically grows to a height of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) with a similar spread. The Dwarf Iris is known for its showy flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. Each flower is borne on a short stem, elevated slightly above the foliage, and is characterized by a lengthened perianth tube. The blooms are protected by two spathes that are round in cross-section. Flower colors vary widely, including yellow, purple, violet, blue, cream, white, and blended shades, often with a distinctive darker spot on the falls, adding to their ornamental appeal.
The Dwarf Iris is valued for its compact size and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and containers. It is also used as a ground cover and can naturalize over time to form colorful colonies. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to iris borer and root rot if grown in overly wet conditions. Dwarf Iris is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH levels.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Dwarf Iris is valued for its compact size and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and containers. It is also used as a ground cover and can naturalize over time to form colorful colonies. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to iris borer and root rot if grown in overly wet conditions. Dwarf Iris is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH levels.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Purple, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, meadows, and forest edges in Southeastern and Central Europe, as well as Central Asia and the Caucasus
Other Names
Common Names: Pygmy Iris , Iris Nain , Dwerglis , Dvärgiris , Hundiris
Scientific Names: Iris pumila , Iris taurica , Iris caerulea , Iris pumila var. flaviflora , Iris pumila var. lutea
GBIF Accepted Name: Iris pumila L.