Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Iris bucharica
corn leaf iris
The broad, bright green leaves of this dwarf iris (it reaches just 15cm or so in height) take second stage when, in mid-spring, the bold flowers arrive. Long, pointed buds emerge first, perhaps as many as seven from a single bulb, before opening into blooms that sit atop the foliage. Translucent, pale cream central petals (or ‘standards’), and strong lemon-yellow side petals (or falls), with darker markings, make this small plant a real giant. Iris bucharica is scented, too. The throat of each flower is marked with three darkish lines, sightlines for pollinating insects.
Introduced to gardeners as long ago as 1902, Iris bucharica is a Juno iris, which means that it originates from Afghanistan, where the winters are cold, and the summers are hot and arid. Because Iris bucharica is so short, plant it near a path, or in a raised bed or patio container, where you can smell it, and admire its lovely blooms at close quarters.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Iris bucharica
- Flower colour
- Yellow, cream
- Bulb size
- 1
- Established height
- 20-40cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.