Iris tectorum
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-riss tek-TOR-um
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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This interesting member of the crested iris group is beardless, but the falls are marked by a fringed crest of white on purple. Japanese roof iris are an example of the great diversity of exotic Iris species coming into the nursery industry with varied colors and flower formations. Though the bloom is large at 6 inches, the standards are shortened and tubular and the falls widespread. The leaves are 15 inches tall, fanned at the base and ribbed. The rhizomes should be spaced 10-16 inches apart planted at 1-2 inches deep and will mature at soil level. They prefer a sunny to part-shade location in rich, well-drained soil and benefit from the shelter of a wall with western or southern exposure and winter mulch. Japanese roof iris is also useful in wet areas, such as around ponds and fountains. But they do not require a great deal of water so they can be used in rock gardens. As the rhizomes spread, this iris can be used for naturalizing and mass planting. The common name is derived from the historical use on thatched roofs in its native China and Japan.
These iris tolerate drought and deer.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problmes: Prone to slugs and viruses. Infected plants with darkened leaves should be removed and destroyed. The seeds do not harbor the infection.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- tectorum
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Variegated
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- > 6 inches
- Flower Description:
- 6" flowers with 3 short, tubular, upright standards, 3 spreading, pendant falls, and white crests
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Knife-like, narrow, ribbed to 15" long, spreading at base
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Problems:
- Frequent Disease Problems
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin), Irisin, iridin, or irisine
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
