Iris pumila
dwarf bearded iris
A compact, rhizomatous, bearded iris to 15cm tall with slightly glaucous, widely sword-shaped leaves 3-15cm long. In mid-spring, a 1cm long flower stem bears 1-2, long-tubed flowers, each 2.5-5cm wide. Flowers are variable in colour from violet-purple, blue to yellow or white with most having a darker spot pattern on the falls and yellow or blue beards
Synonyms
Iris attica subsp. pumilaIris pumila var. equiloba
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- C Europe to Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a very well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of rhizomes after flowering, from midsummer to late summer; for more advice, see dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems after flowering, and remove any dying foliage in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.