Xela's Garden

Iris - dwarf [V]

Species: danfordiae + reticulata.

Hardiness: Hardy

Skill Level: Experienced

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

Flowers: Feb - March
Colour: yellow

Height: 10cm
Spread: 10cm

Iris reticulata
The wild Iris reticulata occurs in and around the Caucasus mountains (in Turkey, the Republic of Georgia, etc.). This wild Iris has been extensively cultivated, resulting in over a dozen different named varieties, most in beautiful shades of blue and purple. The Iris reticulata is the species of Dwarf Iris which is most often sold commercially.

Iris reticulata bloom very early in the spring. The flower is quite large in relationship to the plant as a whole, and has a wonderful fragrance, somewhat like a violet. They are very easy to grow: not only will they come back year after year, but, given half a chance, they will even multiply.

The Iris reticulata varieties "Harmony" and "J.S. Dijt" are very popular, and, so, are easy to find commercially. However, other varieties are not equally easy to locate.

Iris danfordiae
Also referred to as a Dwarf Iris is the species Iris danfordiae. It shares most of the characteristics of the Iris reticulata except that: (a) it is a bright canary yellow, and (b) when left in the ground, the bulbs break up into bulblets. As a result, it may take quite a while for these Irises to re-bloom in subsequent years.

Both species and all their varieties have a fragrance. The fragrant blooms are a good choice for containers, and may be forced in pots.
[Source: http://www.theplantexpert.com/springbulbs/DwarfIris.html ]

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