A native of northeastern-central Asia, this iris is rather different from many other species in the genus, developing similar spikes of long spear-shaped leaves, but blooming in mid to late summer and producing branching stalks that bear numerous short-lived, heavily patterned blooms. This form develops lavender petals with darker mottled markings, and each flower will open in mid to late afternoon and last only into the night, but will be followed by other blooms along the stalk over consecutive several weeks. Prefers rich but well-drained, slightly acid soils.
Available plants are seedlings approx. 4-8 inches tall, in starter pots (photo taken in early spring, clumps are significantly taller in summer).