Iris laevigata 'Snowdrift'

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Snowdrift'
iris 'Snowdrift' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Iris 'Snowdrift' (_laevigata_)

Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous perennial to 80cm with sword-shaped silvery-green leaves and white flowers with a pinkish-purple stripe in the centre appearing May to June. Thrives in bogs, marshes and the edge of lakes and streams

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
Columnar upright
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
Not established

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; thrives at the margins of ponds or streams. Tolerates some lime

Propagation

Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn. See dividing irises

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and iris sawfly

Diseases

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