Albo Variegata Sweet Iris

Iris pallida ‘Albo Variegata’ forms an upright clump of green leaves striped in silvery white, with fragrant lavender-blue flowers as a seasonal accent. The foliage supplies most of the display outside its spring-to-early-summer bloom period, making this selection useful near the front of a sunny border. ## Form and placement Use the white-striped leaves to contrast with solid green or purple foliage, in borders, edging, or a small mass. Published spread estimates vary from 12 to 24 inches; allow for a mature clump rather than crowding the rhizomes. The [University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/iris-pallida/) describes the white-striped form and its fragrant flowers, while [Winding Creek Nursery](https://www.windingcreek-nursery.com/Plant-Name/Iris-pallida-Albo-variegata) and [Romence Gardens](https://romencegardens.com/products/iris-pallida-albovariegata) give differing selection-specific dimensions. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or light shade in fertile, well-drained soil. The species tolerates more shade than many bearded irises and is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Established clumps tolerate some dry spells, but water new divisions while they settle in. The RHS profile for the closely associated white-edged ‘Argentea Variegata’ form records similar fragrant flowers and well-drained soil needs. ## Maintenance Remove old leaves before fresh growth begins in spring and cut back spent flower stems. Divide crowded clumps every three to four years after flowering, keeping the rhizome shallow and partly exposed; water newly divided plants until established.