White Roof Iris (Iris tectorum 'Alba')
White Roof Iris (Iris tectorum 'Alba'), Hardy, late spring-flowering, evergreen perennial Description: Ruffled, orchid-like crested iris has white petals with yellow veins on the crests and falls; flower stalks form amid or slightly above the sword-like leaves. Habit: Forms dense clumps with low, broad fans of heavily ribbed foliage 10 to 12 inches high and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide Culture: Prefers well drained soil; fertilize in spring and side-dress with manure or compost in fall. Grows in full sun to light shade. Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4 Origin: China Attributes: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, deer resistant, drought tolerant This handsome species, native to forest edges, meadows, and sunny banks in southwestern China, has been cultivated on sod or thatched roofs in China and Japan for centuries. Japanese women once used the powdered rhizomes as face powder. The white form was introduced to the West in 1908, while the violet-purple species arrived from Japan in 1872. Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.Arrives in a 3.5" pot.