Iris 'Albo Variegata'

Plant Iris 'Albo Variegata' bulbs in late summer into fall, and in late spring to early summer the following year, they bloom in 3- to 5-inch soft lavender-blue flowers with yellow beards. The flowers are sweetly fragrant and borne on tall 34-inch sturdy scapes atop striking sword-shaped foliage that stays fresh-looking all season. In spring, the leaves emerge with a creamy yellow margin that fades to ivory as they mature. In warmer climates, the foliage is semievergreen and will remain dramatic through fall or winter. The flowers attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, and make elegant, long-lasting cuts for spring bouquets.

An Iris pallida, commonly called bearded iris, sweet iris, or Dalmatian iris, Albo Variegata is a bearded iris with a clumping habit. Bearded iris bulbs are often grown as annuals, but grown in appropriate Zones, the rhizomatous plant will multiply every year and are great for naturalizing. They are shown to best effect when planted in a large drift or in groups of 10 to 15 bulbs in mixed beds, borders, or containers.

Bearded iris is so easy to grow it's virtually foolproof. Cold hardy, it grows almost anywhere but performs best in sunny to partially shady locations with humusy, moist, well-draining soil. Iris 'Albo Variegata' is cold hardy, salt tolerant, and more shade and drought tolerant than most bearded iris varieties. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.