How big does Dalmatian iris grow?

About 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Dalmatian iris grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Dalmatian iris hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Dalmatian iris toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Dalmatian iris flower?

Flowering: May–June, purple, blue.

How much water does Dalmatian iris need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Dalmatian iris cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,400 to HUF 2,600 in local shops, depending on size.

Dalmatian iris

Iris pallida

Dalmatian iris (Iris pallida) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,400.

Illustration of Dalmatian iris — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A bearded iris with sweetly scented, pale lavender-blue flowers and grey-green sword leaves that stay tidy after flowering; the striped forms are decorative all year. Plant it in sun and free-draining soil with the top of the rhizome left at the surface. Once established it handles drought well, but not standing water or deep shade.

Watch out for

In heavy, wet soil the rhizome rots easily (bacterial soft rot), so do not plant it deep or mulch over it. Slugs and snails can damage it, and leaf spot and virus streaking occur. Divide it every few years in late summer, otherwise the centre of the clump goes bare and flowering declines.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, purple, blue

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–June, purple, blue
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about HUF 2,400

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,400 – HUF 2,600

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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