Savanna Iris: A Rare Florida Native for Wetland Gardens
If you’re passionate about Florida native plants and have a wet spot in your garden, the savanna iris (Iris hexagona var. savannarum) might just be the perfect addition you didn’t know you were looking for. This lesser-known variety of the Louisiana iris family brings authentic Florida charm to wetland landscapes, though finding detailed growing information can be as elusive as spotting one in the wild!
What Makes Savanna Iris Special
The savanna iris is a perennial forb—basically a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the iris family, you can expect those classic sword-like leaves and stunning flowers that make irises garden favorites worldwide. This particular variety is exclusively native to Florida, making it a true treasure for gardeners wanting to support local ecosystems.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonyms: Iris albispiritus or Iris savannarum, though these older names are less commonly used today.
Where Does Savanna Iris Call Home
This Florida native has a very limited natural range, found only within the Sunshine State. It’s adapted to the unique conditions of Florida’s wetland environments, where it thrives in the company of other moisture-loving native plants.
The Wetland Connection
Here’s what makes savanna iris really interesting from a gardening perspective: it’s classified as an obligate wetland species. This means it almost always occurs in wetlands and needs consistently moist to wet conditions to survive. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what to plant in that perpetually soggy spot in your yard, this could be your answer!
Is Savanna Iris Right for Your Garden?
Savanna iris is perfect for:
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Pond margins and water features
- Naturally wet areas of your landscape
- Native plant gardens focused on Florida species
- Wildlife-friendly landscapes (though specific benefits aren’t well-documented for this variety)
However, it’s not ideal if you have:
- Dry, well-drained garden beds
- Limited access to water for irrigation
- Gardens outside of Florida’s climate zones
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating): detailed growing information specific to Iris hexagona var. savannarum is surprisingly scarce. This variety seems to be one of those plants that botanists know exists but gardeners haven’t widely cultivated yet. What we do know is that as an obligate wetland species, it absolutely requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
Based on its classification and Florida native status, savanna iris likely prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Wet to saturated soils
- Warm, humid conditions typical of Florida
- Organic, possibly acidic soils common in wetland environments
Finding and Growing Savanna Iris
The biggest challenge with savanna iris might be finding it in the first place. This isn’t your typical garden center plant, and you’ll likely need to seek out specialized native plant nurseries or botanical societies in Florida. Because information about its rarity status isn’t readily available, it’s wise to only purchase from reputable sources that can verify the plants are ethically and sustainably sourced.
When you do find savanna iris, treat it like other wetland plants: keep it consistently moist, provide plenty of organic matter in the soil, and be patient as it establishes in its new home.
The Bottom Line
Savanna iris represents one of those fascinating native plants that connects us directly to Florida’s unique ecosystems. While the lack of detailed cultivation information makes it more of an adventure plant than a sure bet, that’s part of its appeal for dedicated native plant enthusiasts. If you have the right wet conditions and access to plants, savanna iris could be a meaningful addition to your Florida native garden—just be prepared to become something of a pioneer in learning how to grow it successfully!
For gardeners seeking similar but better-documented alternatives, consider other Florida native irises or wetland plants with more established growing guides while keeping an eye out for opportunities to try this special savanna variety.
