Contents
Description
Iris Verna Var. Verna is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 12 inches tall and is native to eastern North America. Its flowers are blue-purple with yellow and white markings and bloom in early spring. It is commonly known as Dwarf Violet Iris or Early Blue Violet Iris.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Iris |
| Species | Verna |
| Variety | Verna |
Appearance
The Iris Verna Var. Verna has long, narrow leaves that are grayish-green in color and grow in fan-like arrangements. Its flowers are 1-2 inches wide, with six petals that are blue-purple with yellow and white markings. The flowers bloom in early spring, usually in April or May. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and spreads up to 10 inches wide.
Care Guide
Water: Iris Verna Var. Verna prefers moist soil but can tolerate dry conditions. Water it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and repeat the process in mid-summer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Sunlight: The Iris Verna Var. Verna prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can tolerate full shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Iris Verna Var. Verna is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. It can also be affected by pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. To prevent these problems, avoid overhead watering and keep the plant well-ventilated.
Habitat
The Iris Verna Var. Verna is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine to Georgia and west to Michigan and Kentucky. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woods, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I propagate Iris Verna Var. Verna?
A: You can propagate the plant by dividing the clumps in early spring or fall.
Q: How often should I fertilize Iris Verna Var. Verna?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and repeat the process in mid-summer.
Q: Is Iris Verna Var. Verna deer-resistant?
A: The plant is somewhat deer-resistant, but deer may still eat it if food is scarce.
Q: Can I grow Iris Verna Var. Verna in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as it has good drainage and is kept moist.
Related Plants
- Iris Cristata
- Iris Versicolor
- Iris Setosa
References
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing Company.
- Gilman, E. F. (1999). Iris verna. University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP01200.pdf
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants profile for Iris verna L. var. verna. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=IRVEV
