Iris 'Sunshine' (Reticulata)

RHS Plant Profile
iris 'Sunshine'
iris 'Sunshine' visionspictures.com
Bulbs

A dwarf bulbous perennial, to around 15cm high, with narrow, upright green leaves. Flowers are bright yellow, with a darker yellow blotch on the fall petals. Flowers from late winter to early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Thrives in a sunny position, in most soils with good drainage. In drier soils, dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting, and mulch in spring. Feed after flowering to encourage bulb growth. See bulb iris cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division, separating bulb offsets from midsummer to early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems in summer, and any dying foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spots, ink disease, rust diseases, bulb rot and viruses; see Iris diseases for more details