Iris milesii

Native to the western Himalaya, Tibet and south-central China, Iris milesii is a beardless rhizomatous iris forming clumps of broad, curved, grey-green sword-shaped leaves, 40-60 cm long. The branched flowering stems reach 60-90 cm and bear several flowers per spathe. The flowers, 7-8 cm across, are pale pinkish-purple, adorned with a fringed yellow or orange crest on the falls. Flowering occurs in March and April. This species requires a sunny to partially shaded position, rich, moist soil, and tolerates moderate humidity.