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Iris reticulata

Image of Iris reticulata

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Iridaceae

Botanical Name

Iris reticulata

Plant Common Name

Dwarf Iris

General Description

Reticulate iris is an ephemeral perennial from eastern Europe, Turkey and Iraq that emerges and blooms in very early spring and disappears by late spring. Its showy flowers have a wonderful fragrance and may be in found in shades of blue, purple and white. Some more popular cultivars include the sky blue ‘Cantab’ and white-flowered ‘Natascha’.

This easy-to-grow bulb grows best in full to partial sun, well-drained soils and reliably comes back year after year. Use it in masses or naturali drifts in rock gardens, troughs/containers, woodland settings or in mixed borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    4"-12" / 10.2cm - 30.5cm

  • Width

    8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Eastern Europe, Turkey, Iraq, Iran

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Blue Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Bedding Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No