Xela's Garden

About this plant

Genus: Iris.

Species: Iris reticulata.

Hardiness: Hardy

Skill Level: Experienced

Soil type: Chalky/alkaline, Dry
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade

Flowers: Febr - March
Colour: yellow

Height: 10cm
Spread: 10cm

This is just one species in the Reticulata Group of irises, and a particularly memorable one for its bright sunny colouring. The vivid yellow blooms appear close to the ground very early, in February in a mild year, and a group of 10-12 bulbs at the front of a border will make an eye-catching patch of gold to brighten the short days. It is well worth planting a few more each year, because after flowering the bulbs tend to split into numerous small bulblets which take a few years to reach flowering size. The fragrant blooms are a good choice for containers, and may be forced in pots.