Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' is a refined dwarf crested iris with elegant white petals accented by a subtle yellow crest. Its low growing habit and mat forming rhizomes make it ideal for shady woodland gardens, where it spreads slowly to create a ground hugging floral carpet in spring. This cultivar offers both ornamental beauty and erosion control for sloped shaded areas.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: April to May
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, acidic soil with good drainage
Watering Needs: Moderate, prefers consistently moist conditions
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to bitter rhizomes and foliage
Native Status
This cultivar derives from Iris cristata, a species native to the eastern United States. 'Tennessee White' maintains the regional adaptability and ecological benefits of its wild parent.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by bumblebees and other long tongued native bees that access the hidden nectar within the crested petals.
Butterflies
- Used by hairstreaks and duskywings such as the Horace’s Duskywing for nectar in the early spring months.
Birds
- Low iris clumps offer nesting material and insect foraging for towhees and warblers in forest understories.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart to allow for colony formation and gentle natural spreading.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for shaded borders, woodland paths, rock gardens, and the front of native plant beds in filtered light.
Companion Plants
- Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) - Upright evergreen fronds anchor the planting and frame iris colonies gracefully year round.
- Stylophorum diphyllum (Wood Poppy) - Bright yellow blooms create vibrant contrast with the white iris flowers.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Light green foliage and late season white blooms soften the sharp edges of the iris and extend seasonal interest.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Delicate frothy blooms and deeply lobed leaves offer foliage texture and spring bloom overlap.
- Trillium grandiflorum - Graceful three petaled white flowers appear in synchrony with the iris and thrive under similar shade conditions.