A clumping evergreen perennial with stiff, sword-like leaves and white, iris-like flowers marked with orange and violet. Each flower lasts only a day, but the stalks keep producing them through spring and early summer. It brings a clean, upright, lush look to shaded beds and pool areas.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. In Phoenix it is not a dry-garden plant and looks best with steady moisture through the summer. Constantly soggy, alkaline soil, however, can yellow the leaves.
Pruning
No regular pruning is needed. Break off seed pods as they form to keep it blooming. The flower stalks rebloom, so cut them only once they stop producing. Pull out tired leaves at the base as needed.
Heat/sunburn
Full summer sun can stress it, especially on a west exposure. Morning sun with afternoon shade gives the best-looking foliage.
Dividing
Large clumps can be divided to refresh them or to start new plants.
How our designers use it
Pools and water features
Its upright, slightly tropical look suits pool surrounds and fountains, as long as it isn’t constantly splashed with chlorinated water.
Repeating structure
Planted in rows or groups, the vertical leaves give shaded beds a clean, architectural rhythm.
Under trees and palms
It fills the dappled space beneath patio trees and palms where sun-loving desert plants struggle.
Good to know
Around the pool
No thorns and little litter. Keep it out of the main splash zone, since repeated chlorinated overspill can burn the leaf tips.
