Iris pallida ‘Variegata’ is pale lavender-blue with yellow beards and a sweet fragrance. The flowers measure 3 to 5 inches across and stand 2 to 3 feet tall. The leaves are sword like with creamy yellow stripes.

Iris pallida and its cultivars are called “orris” irises because their fragrant roots are used in making perfumes and potpourri. They are native to the Croatian province of Dalmatia and are also known as Dalmatian iris. The name iris was taken from the Greek goddess of the rainbow to symbolize the many colors of this flower. The classic Fleur de Lys, which has been a symbol of royalty throughout history, was an adaptation of the iris flower.