Go Back Iris Bearded Variegata Tall

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Iris pallida 'Variegata' ('Zebra')
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    Striking golden variegated foliage with green and creamy yellow stripes. Classic lavender-blue flowers in late spring. The brightly colored, striped foliage of Sweet Flag Irises effectively add interest and cheer anywhere they are planted. Their relatively short stature make them good for edging. These are the most reliable and disease-resistant of all Tall Bearded Irises.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Bearded Irises will absolutely not tolerate "wet feet" and require very well-drained soil at all times of the year. They will grow in any good garden soil as long as this drainage is provided. Regular tall bearded irises should not be fertilized during the summer and should only be watered when absolutely necessary. Overwatering will cause the rhizomes to rot. Reblooming irises, however, require regular watering and feeding to promote the additional flowering. Irises are generally heavy feeders, and should be fertilized 3 times per year: first in the spring when new growth appears, second right after bloom, and third in the fall. When planting them for the first time or when transplanting, use a no-nitrogen fertilizer such as 0-10-10 worked into the soil. Division is recommended every 3-4 years to maintain healthy plants and achieve the maximum bloom. The best time of year to plant irises is in late summer after they are done blooming. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife to cut apart the rhizomes. Keep only the newer ones around the outer edge of the clump and discard the old, woody center. Replant the new divisions 12-18 in. apart to allow ample room for new growth and good air circulation. Planting at the correct level is critical to the plant's health and flower production. Rhizomes should be planted so the soil barely covers the top of them, or 1-2 in. deep in light, sandy soil. Doing so will help to prevent soft rot. Rhizomes should be planted at the soil surface. If planted too deeply, it can reduce the amount of blooms per season.

    Flower Color

    Lavendar blue

    Foliage Color

    Green and creamy yellow

    Plant Spread

    18-24 in.

    Good Companions

    Avens (Geum coccineum), Coreopsis-Threadleaf (Coreopsis verticillata), Corydalis-Yellow (Corydalis lutea), Geranium-Hardy (Geranium sanguineum), Painted Daisy (Tanacetum ), Peony-Tree (Paeonia suffruticosa), Poppy-Oriental (Papaver orientale), Spurge-Cushion (Euphorbia polychroma), Stonecrop-Autumn (Sedum ), Yarrow (Achillea )

    Plant Height

    34 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-10

    Soil Moisture

    Low to average water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Mass Plant, Dried Flower, Border, Salt Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Cut flower or foliage, Specimen

    Bloom Time

    Late spring

    Critter Resistance

    Deer and rabbit resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

    —