Species dwarf iris
Yellow flower with brown center , yellow petiole, green stems and leaves.

dwarf iris

Iris danfordiae

The dwarf iris (Iris danfordaea) is an herbaceous perennial plant noted for its small stature and beautiful spring flowers. It forms a clump of foliage up to 20cm (7.9in) tall. The hairy, linear leaves form two distinct fans on either side of the upright stem. The small, violet-blue flowers bloom in early spring (April-May). Each blossom is composed of three petals and three sepals in shades of dark and light blue, white marked with yellow and purple. The dwarf iris makes a great addition to rock gardens, troughs and alpine gardens. Additionally, the foliage remains attractive throughout the summer months.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cormlet Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Primrose yellow (with tiny dark spots on the falls) Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Dwarf iris (Iris danfordiae) should be watered approximately once a week, depending on the amount of light the plant is receiving and the condition of the soil. The soil should be kept damp, but not soggy or wet. The best way to water a dwarf iris is to add water to the base of the plant, allowing it to absorb water from the ground up. If the plant is in a pot, make sure that the soil is not drying out at the surface yet, then water from the base. If the plant is in direct sun and temperatures are high, it may need more frequent watering, possibly 2 to 3 times per week. If in a cooler or humid climate, once a week may be enough. Signs that your dwarf iris needs water are wilted and yellowing leaves.

sunlight

Dwarf iris plants (Iris danfordiae) grow best when placed in sunny locations. They should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Dwarf iris plants can be grown in areas with some shade, however they may not bloom as often as when planted in a sunny spot. During the summer months when temperatures are high, it is best to provide some dappled shade for Dwarf iris plants to protect them from the intense heat. Too much exposure to the sun can cause the leaves to burn.

pruning

Dwarf iris (Iris danfordiae) are best pruned in the early spring months just after flowering has completed. During this time you can cut off any dead and diseased foliage as well as any stalks of spent flowers. If any of the wide strap composite leaves have become overly long or unsightly, you can gently trim them back by about a third of their length. Additionally, if the plant has become overcrowded or flower production has decreased it can safely be divided at this time as well.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dwarf iris typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map