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Iris tectorum is often confused with:
Iris japonica Spring blooms (Cabarrus Co. NC)
Native alternative(s) for Iris tectorum:
Iris virginica Iris virginica
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Catharanthus roseus Catharanthis roseus
Dianthus Flowers
Iris x germanica Iris germanica in the spring in Moore County
Iris tectorum has some common insect problems:
Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage

Roof Iris Iris tectorum

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-riss tek-TOR-um
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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.

More information on Iris.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
'Alba'
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#shelter for wildlife#riparian#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#groundcover#naturalizes#cutting garden#wet soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Alba'
'Alba'
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#shelter for wildlife#riparian#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#groundcover#naturalizes#cutting garden#wet soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#perennial
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Ground Cover
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    capsule
  • 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
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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
  • 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