Iris unguicularis Carex the fuzzy green foliage adorns

the fuzzy green foliage adorns short stems

Other than clearing away the dead foliage in fall

arrowhead-shaped leaf features dramatic silver patterning

I am not a fern

Iris unguicularis Carex the fuzzy green foliage adorns(syn: I. stylosa) The little known, winter blooming Algerian iris is one of our favorites for its ability to flower when few others dare. The narrow green leaves, to only 18" tall, make a dense deer resistant clump to 18" wide. Starting in October November (weather permitting), the clumps begin to flower with 2" very fragrant, light lavender purple flowers continuing through April (temporarily ceasing when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F).