Iris pallida 'Dalmatica'

Common name(s): orris root

Description: perennial; an iris with sweet violet-scented rhizomes that have been used in perfumeries since the 1600s in Florence, Italy. Cultivation has declined since 1920 but it is still grown commercially in Tuscany but is now mostly used as a fixative in potpourri. Bearded iris rhizomes should be planted so that they are exposed halfway above ground to prevent rot. Forms a dense colony of semi-evergreen leaf blades over time and blooms fragrant, grape-scented lilac flowers on 30 in. stalks in early summer.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 4 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, cosmetics, potpourri, ornamental

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought