A rarely offered iris, endemic to New Zealand's north Island and threatened in its natural habitat. Cranwell's iris resembles Libertia ixioides, with fans of slightly wider, somewhat stiff, grass-like leaves, to 20" tall. Turning a bit more yellow in bright sunlight, and short sprays of white flowers nestled among the leaves in spring followed by decorative, orange seed pods that hold on for months. Best in full to part sun with regular summer water for best appearance. Frost hardiness is known reliably to 20F, USDA zone 9, but colder tolerances haven't been tested. Let us know.

CRANWELL'S IRIS

Iridaceae