Iris reticulata collection
iris collection
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: January to February
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Bulb size: 5/7
Beguiling, low-growing plants, reticulata iris produce their colourful and lightly scented blooms in late winter and early spring. Outside, they will add early interest at the front of a sunny border, gravel garden or alpine bed, but they also make excellent additions to pots and can even be brought inside for a short time when in flower. Originating from mountainous slopes in parts of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran and Iraq, they will flourish in a sunny spot with freely draining neutral to slightly alkaline soils. If grown in pots, choose a loam-based potting compost and add a little extra grit. Plant the bulbs 10cm deep in late summer or early autumn leaving approximately 10cm between each (closer in pots). When actively growing they should be watered moderately, but reduce this during their summer dormancy.
In each collection you will receive the following:
25 × Iris 'Harmony' (Reticulata): This hyrbid has relatively large, royal blue flowers with a striped white throat and a bright yellow central band on the falls. The crests have a slightly feathered edge, creating a softly ruffled effect. Grows to 15cm.
25 × Iris 'Pauline' (Reticulata): Providing a bright splash of colour in late winter and early spring - often when there is little else in bloom, these low-growing iris are valuable additions to pots, windowboxes, alpine beds and rockeries. They will also look very sweet when popping up at the front of a sunny border. Grows to 12cm.
25 × Iris 'Alida' (Reticulata): Relatively hard to find, this striking mid-blue iris has sunny splashes of yellow on each fall. Gardening 'Which' Magazine carried out a trial on this plant and recommended it to their readers, as it is a strong grower with intensely coloured flowers. Grows to 15cm.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten