Iris pallida 'Argentea Variegata' (Silver-variegated sweet iris )

Botanical name

Iris pallida 'Argentea Variegata'

Other names

Silver-variegated sweet iris , Zebra iris, Dalmatian iris, Sweet iris

Genus

Iris Iris

Variety or Cultivar

'Argentea Variegata' _ 'Argentea Variegata' is a perennial, rhizomatous bearded Iris with semi-evergreen, upright, sword-like foliage that is blue-green striped with cream and white. In early summer it produces fragrant, soft blue flowers.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Has a soft fragrance

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.

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Colour

Flower

Pale-blue in Summer

Foliage

White, Variegated, Grey, Cream, Blue in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails , Thrips

Specific diseases

Grey mould , Iris rhizome rot

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to keep tidy

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Iris pallida 'Argentea Variegata' (Silver-variegated sweet iris ) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Plant in full sun in well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid, loamy soil. Will need staking in windy situations.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Iris pallida 'Argentea Variegata' (Silver-variegated sweet iris )

Common pest name

Red rice root aphid; Rice root aphid

Scientific pest name

Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Potentially significant glasshouse pest; growers should monitor for its presence. Routine aphid control should be effective in mitigating risk.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Iris pallida 'Argentea Variegata' (Silver-variegated sweet iris )

Common pest name

common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Frankliniella schultzei

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/