Iris lactea

RHS Plant Profile
white-flowered iris
white-flowered iris visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Iris biglumis
Iris ensata lactea

Herbaceous Perennial

A variable perennial, to around 40cm high, with linear, finely ribbed, grey-green leaves, sometimes flushed with purple at the base. Flowers are usually pale violet blue, or part white or pale yellow, often with narrow falls, and are sometimes produced while the leaves are still relatively short

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Correct
Plant Range
Tepm. Asia W Himalaya

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, deep, fertile soil that does not dry out. Will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division, see dividing iris for more detailed advice. Plants raised from seed may take some years to flower

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems in summer, and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases