Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' (Dwarf Crested Iris)

Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' is a cultivar of dwarf crested iris, noted for its pure, snowy-white flowers. Dwarf crested iris is a small, perennial wildflower that grows through much of the eastern United States in moist, full sun to part shade areas; in April, the plant produces relatively large flowers for its size, up to three inches across, in snowy shades of white rather than the pale blues and purples of its parent species. These eye-catching spring flowers bloom atop very short stems, only three to six inches tall, among the plant's already short foliage, about 6-10" total. With thick, rhizomatic roots, Iris cristata can form dense colonies, which produce an impressive visual effect in the spring, and this effect is even more pronounced with 'Tennessee White,' which is one of the earliest and longest lasting blooms among the Iris cristata cultivars.

Dwarf crested iris grows best in consistently moist but well-drained soils, and especially in acidic sandy loams, such as those naturally found in pine barrens, on sandy stream banks, or in wooded slopes. 'Tennessee White' excels in partial to full shade, so woodland plantings, shaded beds, or seasonal groundcover in less sunny spots might work best. Flowers have high aesthetic value for gardeners, but are also attractive to pollinators including hummingbirds and native bees, and attracts native birds too! Iris cristata is additionally resistant to drought and deer, and rabbit damage, making it an ideal pick for a variety of gardens.