Saturday, May 21, 2016

Japanese Roof Iris

At Ned Wolf Park, we have an usual species of Iris called Iris tectorum 'Alba', also known as white Japansee roof iris. It likes shade and its blooms, though short-lived, are like elegant fluttering butterflies. This Iris tolerates dry conditions and has thrived under a Sophora tree in a raised bed against the wall. Despite digging up and selling several divisions for our plant sale, the stand looks magnificent.  The wide blades of foliage will grow a bit longer after blooming finishes. And unlike its cousins that prefer sun, this Iris foliage arches handsomely to create a fountain effect for the remainder of the growing season and tolerating some winter months, too.

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