Roof Iris Alba

The silken flowers grow on upright stems up to 45cm (though 30cm seems average) and proffer three or four flowers. Each bloom is an impressive 10cm across. The white petals have golden yellow crests which add a nice accent.
The fanned leaves are quite a handsome feature, light green, upright sword shaped and remain year round. They will form clumps at a steady rate in ideal conditions, and should be divided every three years or so.
Iris tectorum will grow in sun or dappled shade. Water to establish and keep moist during active growth. The more sun they are in the more water they will need. They thrive in humus rich soils and prosper when they have a decent amount of fertiliser.

Iris tectorum is commonly known as the Roof Iris as in parts of country Japan they have grown it on the ridges of their thatched rooves. Why? We couldn't find a definitive answer but there are two options. The first that the roots are useful for binding the thatch and clay. The second is that during Japan's famine all grounds were to be used for food cultivation only so flowers were outlawed. However the roots of this particular flower were used to make a face powder for women so rather than not be able to make the powder they moved the flowers from the soil to the thatched rooves and the Iris grew well amid the clay.

Supplied as: Pots