The Story
Plant Bio
Low-growing, spreading perennial with fans of sword-shaped, green leaves. In spring, it produces striking, deep violet-blue flowers with gold crests on the falls.
This cultivar is appreciated for its compact form and vigorous ground cover, making it ideal for shaded woodland gardens and rockeries where it spreads easily without becoming invasive.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern United States
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting, then keep soil moist.
- Mist cuttings or divide in early spring for propagation.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for best growth.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for best flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during active growth.
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain health.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Apply mulch to keep roots cool.
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause rot.
- Don’t plant in heavy clay without amendments ❌
- Refrain from disturbing the roots excessively.
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen in late season.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Edgar Anderson Crested Iris questions
What zones can Edgar Anderson Crested Iris grow in?
Edgar Anderson Crested Iris is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Edgar Anderson Crested Iris deer resistant?
Yes — Edgar Anderson Crested Iris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Edgar Anderson Crested Iris bloom?
Edgar Anderson Crested Iris typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Edgar Anderson Crested Iris need full sun?
Edgar Anderson Crested Iris does best in part shade.
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Iris x germanica 'Poem Of Ecstasy'
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Dutch Iris Mix
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Baboon Bottom Bearded Iris
Iris x germanica 'Baboon Bottom Bearded'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Edgar Anderson Crested Iris with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.