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.
When it comes to late-winter jewels of the garden, Iris 'Katherine Hodgkin' is a priceless tiny treasure—this award-winning variety really hits the fascination mark, right down to the daintiest of details. With slender upright central petals and intricately marked falls, it’s every bit as flamboyant as a big summer iris, but in a beautiful miniature way that lights up the garden from late-winter onwards. Iris 'Katherine Hodgkin' feels most at home in an alpine or rockery setting, but also looks fantastic in pots, stone planters and borders. These lovely soft blue dwarf irises pop up at the same time as crocuses, and the two make wonderful partners, both enjoying a rocky or stony setting in full sun.
Despite its petite form and exquisite pastel blue flowers, Iris reticulata 'Katherine Hodgkin' is as tough as old boots and very reliable to grow – simply plant them in the autumn and leave them to it, they’ll provide a wonderful display from January to February each year.
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 'Katharine Hodgkin'
- Flower colour
- Blue
- 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
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' reviews
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Expert care from
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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.