An Asian iris species found in southwestern China, Tibet, and Myanmar, these very cold-hardy plants develop clumps of linear leaves up to 18 inches tall from branching rhizomes underground. Flowers are produced in series on stalks rising up to a foot higher than the leaves, with teardrop shaped falls and arching centers. While most of the species tends to sport fairly light indigo to lavender blooms, this "dark" form is deep grape purple, almost to black, save for some white and yellow speckles near the center and base of the falls. Does best in fairly moist, slightly acid soils that do not dry out.
Only two seedlings available approx. 5 inches tall.