Iris Varegiata

Plant name: Variegated Iris

Scientific name: Iris pallida ‘Variegata’

Plant description:
Iris pallida ‘Variegata,’ commonly known as Variegated Iris or Sweet Iris, is a rhizomatous perennial grown for both its striped foliage and fragrant spring blooms. This selection forms upright fans of sword-shaped leaves marked with creamy yellow striping, providing ornamental interest even when the plant is not in flower. Its structured growth habit and drought tolerance make it suitable for borders and foundation plantings.

Flower description:
In late spring, tall stems rise above the foliage bearing soft lavender to pale violet flowers with subtle veining and a light fragrance. The blooms have classic bearded iris form, with upright standards and gently arching falls. Flowers are held on sturdy stems and are suitable for cutting.

Leaf description:
Leaves are long, sword-like, and distinctly striped with vertical bands of blue-green and creamy yellow. The variegation remains visible through the growing season, adding contrast and structure to mixed plantings. Foliage maintains a firm, upright habit.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates; may experience partial dieback in colder regions.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 4–9.

Mature height and width:
Typically 24–36 inches tall in bloom and 18–24 inches wide per clump.

Landscape uses:
Effective in perennial borders, cottage gardens, herb gardens, and foundation plantings. Its striped foliage provides year-round structure and contrast against solid green plants. Also suitable for water-wise landscapes once established.

Native range:
Iris pallida is native to southern Europe; ‘Variegata’ is a cultivated ornamental form.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in full sun. Adequate sunlight supports strong flowering and maintains compact, upright foliage.

Water requirements:                                                                                                          Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering during active growth. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods. Avoid poorly drained soil that can cause rhizome rot.

Pests and problems:
May be susceptible to iris borers, aphids, and fungal leaf spot. Proper spacing and good drainage reduce disease risk. Avoid burying rhizomes too deeply.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles heat well when soil drains freely. Cold hardy within its recommended zones, surviving winter through its underground rhizomes.

Growing tips:
Plant rhizomes at soil level with the top slightly exposed to prevent rot and encourage flowering. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and improve bloom production. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a clean appearance. Position where the variegated foliage can provide consistent structure and visual contrast throughout the season.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.