87. THE BEAUTIFUL GOLD VARIEGATED SWEET IRIS

If you need a tough, drought-tolerant flowering plant with deliciously scented lavender-blue flowers and showy tricolored foliage, look no further than the gold variegated sweet iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata Gold’). It is a deer-resistant perennial that has upright sword-shaped leaves with vertical bands in gray-green and creamy yellow. A real eye-catcher, even when not in bloom, it grows easily in well-drained soil with low to average fertility. It can grow in sun to part shade conditions. Iris pallida was found in Croatia and is resistant to borers. Divide it in late summer every third or fourth year to keep it blooming. Its bearded iris-type flowers appear in late spring to early summer atop scapes rising to 40 inches tall. The foliage is 32 to 36 inches tall. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4–9.

The vertical blades of Iris pallida blend with other perennials nicely. Since irises grow from underground rhizomes, which look like tubers, they can be tucked easily around other plants. It’s fun to place them with companion plants that bloom later to keep the floral display going. Look for annuals or perennials that contrast with the iris foliage or can fill in around it.

Some companion perennials for irises are those that bloom later in the summer and are around the same height or shorter. These include dwarf black-eyed Susan, ‘Snowcap’ Shasta daisy, perennial geraniums, sedum, and yarrow. Of course, you can pop in annuals such as spring pansies and summer blooming angelonia to make it one glorious scene!

Interestingly, the rhizomes of Iris pallida are used to produce orris root, which is used as a fixative in perfumes. It also provides a base note in the fragrance of Chanel No. 5 and others. Dried orris root has an earthy, sweet scent that resembles the fragrance of violets or raspberries. Orris oil is also added to some types of popular gin, including Bombay Sapphire.

The upright, striped blades of sweet iris grow next to another blue-flowering. deer-resistant perennial: catmint (Nepeta). The catmint blooms just a little later than the sweet iris.

Gold variegated sweet iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata Gold’) is luminous with its striped gold-and-green leaves. It is especially lovely when planted in front of a dark green backdrop such as a boxwood or holly hedge, as shown here. Sweet iris blends well with other perennials such as Stachys ‘Hummelo,’ candytuft, and perennial blue salvia. It is easy to grow and care for—a winner for any landscape. Deer resistant. Zones 4–9.