Bulb irises

Early flowerers are diminutive plants with yellow, blue or white flowers. Summer varieties can have flowers in all colours. Unlike other irises, the bulbs have narrow, grassy leaves.

These irises grow in any soil that drains freely, in full sun at flowering time. Early types do well under deciduous trees and among shrubs that provide shelter in summer.

Like nearly all bulbs, these irises will not grow well in permanently wet or very heavy soil or in a permanently shaded situation.

Bulb irises can be treated as flowering houseplants. Grow them in containers outdoors or in a well-ventilated unheated greenhouse, then bring them inside when the buds start to open.