Iris pallida 'Variegata'
Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ or Dalmatian Iris is also known as Dalmation Iris ‘Variegata’, Sweet Iris ‘Variegata’, Zebra Iris ‘Variegata’, Iris pallida folios variegates, Iris pallida ‘Variegata Aurea’ Iris pallida ‘Aurea Variegata’, Iris pallida ‘Aurea’, or Tall Bearded Iris. It is part of the Iridaceae family of plants. It is native to Dalmatia in Croatia and the southern Alps.
It is a rhizomatous perennial. Pallida means pale and Variegata refers to the variegated leaves of green with cream striped edges. Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ has sword-shaped light green leaves. It is a bearded Iris. It has fragrant flowers. The flowers are lavender-violet with yellow beards. Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ flowers in late spring.
Plant Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Grow it in the sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free, but watch out for slugs and snails. Avoid very wet soils and very shady locations. It is drought-tolerant. Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ is rabbit-tolerant and deer-tolerant.
An essential oil called Sweet Orris is extracted from the roots of the Iris pallida ‘Variegata’. Orris is a preservative that is used in perfumes and spirits. This oil is odorless. It has to be stored for several years to mature. Orris has been used in perfumes since the ancient Romans.
