5 Iris you must grow
Tempting varieties for early colour next year
Hey guys, I had a little bug in my system. No, I don’t mean a stomach upset, I mean a blogging mishap. I somehow mislaid this little beauty from earlier in the year, so here we go, a little bit out of “season sequence”, here are five of the most amazing miniature Iris…
If anyone ever asks me my favourite flower (which is my least favourite question), I usually mumble Iris. But, I think it actually IS my favourite. I have fond memories of painting an Iris on a stone for my Nana when I was at school. I also used to marvel over her Bearded Iris patch, and we used to guess the colours of the blooms by the shade of the rhizomes…
Plus, Iris come in so many different shapes and forms, and for so many different positions in the garden. However, this time of year brings a particular special type of Iris - the reticulata. Small, perfectly formed,and perfectly following the slipstream of the mighty snowdrop. In fact, I think they deserve being obsessed over as much as snowdrops are. So, I pronounce Iris-mania officially ‘a thing’.
These iris often have a sweet fragrance too. They’ll grow in open ground or the rockery, but are said to re-bloom each year more reliably when grow in containers. Here are 5 particularly handsome ones to tempt you!
Iris histrioides ‘Lady Beatrix Stanley’
This smells of violets! This is a pint-sized powerhouse of violet-blue charm. This petite iris may only reach 10cm tall, but she makes a bold entrance in early spring with her speckled petals, yellow central ridge, and a distinctly aristocratic flair. Perfect for rockeries, pots or front-of-borders when you need something a bit... duchessy.
Iris reticulata ‘Mars Landing’
This is strikingly different too! Straight from the red planet (well, not quite), ‘Mars Landing’ brings otherworldlyness to your garden. With fiery yellow centres and a cloak of red-brown brushing the edges, this 10cm iris is a showstopper. Even the smallest flowers can go full sci-fi!
Iris reticulata ‘Eyecatcher’
A recent arrival from breeding in Canada - they didn’t call it ‘Eyecatcher’ for nothing! This packs a punch with cream-yellow blooms and bold blue speckles. Growing to 15cm, it’s the kind of flower that stops you mid-walk and demands a double take. Plant it en masse and prepare for compliments (and a few “What is that?” moments from your neighbours).
VIP subscribers can read on to discover a velvety, deep purple variety, and an iris for double-denim lovers!