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.
'Clairette'
dwarf iris
Iris 'Clairette' is like a little brushstroke of springtime artistry—each bloom a carefully painted masterpiece in soft sky blue, with rich, dark blue to purple lips and delicate white markings that look as though they’ve been flicked on by an artist’s hand. This striking contrast gives the flowers a lively, expressive feel, making Iris reticulata 'Clairette' a true standout among early bloomers. Compact and cheerful, it’s the perfect choice for adding a dash of bold elegance to rockeries, borders, or pots by the front door.
Tougher than it looks, Iris 'Clairette' thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, reliably popping up each year with very little fuss. Its low-growing habit means it works beautifully at the front of a display or scattered in naturalistic drifts, where its bright colours can really shine. Pair Iris reticulata 'Clairette' with soft pastels or silvery foliage to make those vivid lips and crisp white strokes sing. If you're after something a little different that still fits seamlessly into a spring scheme, Iris 'Clairette' ticks all the right boxes—bold, beautiful, and just the right amount of unexpected.
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 reticulata 'Clairette'
Iris reticulata × Iris bakeriana - Flower colour
- Blue, purple
- Bulb size
- 6/+
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant spacing
- 120 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - 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.