Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris lactea (Milky Iris)

White-flowered iris, Milky Iris, White-flowered Chinese Iris, Iris biglumis, Iris ensata var. chinensis, Iris fragrans, Iris haematophylla, Iris iliensis, Iris lactea subsp. chinensis, Iris longispatha, Iris moorcroftiana, Iris oxypetala, Iris triflora


Iris lactea (Milky Iris) is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial boasting fragrant, white, lavender, or blue flowers, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), with beautifully veined falls. Blooming in late spring to early summer, 2–4 blossoms per stem, are borne atop stalks that arise from clumps of erect, linear, gray-green leaves. Native to Central Asia, the Himalayas, Mongolia, and Korea, this small rhizomatous perennial prefers a sunny situation on dry to moderately moist soil.

  • Grows up to 6-16 in. tall and wide (16-40 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Some afternoon shade is welcomed in hot summer areas.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, wall-side borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, and coastal gardens.
  • Remove any dying foliage in fall, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and gray mold.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Plant in late summer or early autumn.
  • Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early fall.
  • Native to Central Asia, the Himalayas, Mongolia, and Korea.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spread 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spacing 6" – 16" (15cm – 40cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Jiang Tianmu, guan zhe, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spread 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spacing 6" – 16" (15cm – 40cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

Guides with Iris - Other

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