Iris tectorum ‘Alba’ is one of the crested group of irises that produces short spikes of white flowers above fan-like foliage in mid spring. This is one of the few iris species that actually can thrive in slightly shaded conditions. Well drained soils are a must, leading gardeners in early China and Japan to grow it along the rooflines of their homes or on top of their masonry walls. The dried and powdered rhizomes were used to make the white powder traditionally used to create the perfectly white facial features of Japanese and Chinese ladies.