Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Blue White Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Accepted
- Horticultural Group
- Reticulata irises are small, bulbous perennials with narrow leaves almost square in section, and solitary, sometimes fragrant purple, yellow or blue flowers in early spring
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soil, preferably in a sunny spot. See bulb iris cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring, but cultivars may not come true. Lift and separate bulbs in early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.