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.
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Prepare your garden for a bright and early spring start by planting Iris reticulata bulbs this autumn. There’s no need to wait all the way until April for colour to burst forth from your borders when these little gems are willing to pop up and show their cheery faces on those cold, short days in February. After new year, it can feel like a long slog through the rest of winter, but these definitely bring a bucket load of spring optimism. It’s difficult to describe how much pleasure Iris reticulata brings at that time of year so it’s best you try some for yourself!
Also known as blue dwarf iris, Iris reticulata is naturally a small plant. Flowering in late winter, it has a gutsy spirit which isn’t at all dampened by freezing temperatures. See these blue irises shine in the winter sun, or let them light up a dull day. Show them off in pots, window boxes or raised planters to give them some extra height so you can easily admire their incredible detail and catch their delicate scent. Iris reticulata are also lovely planted in groups in borders, rockeries and gravel gardens.
Even if you already knew what to expect, you won’t be able to resist Oohing and Ah-ing as the breathtaking blooms of Iris reticulata begin to open. They’re the classic blue-purple dwarf iris with intricate gold and white markings highlighting the outer petals. As species types, they have a good chance of settling in to your garden, but Iris reticulata do need well drained soil and relatively dry conditions in dormancy. Even if they were only to last a year, you’d consider planting Iris reticulata to have been more than worthwhile. Mass these blue dwarf irises for a splendid effect or combine them with snowdrops for a symphony in blue and white.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered position in well-drained soil or a suitable pot or container.
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
- Flower colour
- 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
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed in paper
Naturalising
Low maintenance
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Iris reticulata reviews
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