Consider adding this native dwarf iris to your shade offerings; it blooms in time for spring sales and has great impulse appeal. Light to bright periwinkle blue flowers bloom on short stems. This plant spreads quickly by rhizomes to form a groundcover in moist woodland areas but is drought tolerant once established.

Selected as a mutation from the native species by Mt. Cuba Center, this in-demand iris’s signature characteristic is striking foliage that emerges deep purple in spring. In summer, 3-4”, blue flowers appear on dark stems and the foliage turns green. Clump-forming, swordlike leaves provide beautiful texture all season.