IRIS RETICULATA

Iris reticulata

Iris reticulata is a species of small bulbous flowering plant from the Iridaceae family, sub-section reticulata. Species and cultivars within this Reticulata group are characterised by the tunic of the bulb which is netted (reticulated) with fibres. In Botany, tunica refers to a membranous structure such as the spermoderm, or any loose membrane that is not part of the epidermis, or the coat of a bulb or corm.

Iris reticulata 'Katharine Hodgkin' AGM

They are small plants which grow to no more than about 6 inches in height. They have tubular, sharply-pointed, ribbed leaves, and depending on the cultivar will produce flowers of yellow, blue or purple with an orange blaze on the downward facing petals. The striking, delicate blooms appear in early spring.

There is one issue though, after flowering the bulbs often split and may take several years to reach flowering size again.

They are a hardy plant native to Russia, the Caucasus, and northern Iran, and prefer a well-drained sunny position in soil which dries out in summer. This makes them idea for planting in a rock or gravel garden, and even pots and containers

The species and its cultivars 'George' and 'Katharine Hodgkin' have gained the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from Royal Horticultural Society .

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Iris reticulata
IRIS 'KATHARINE HODGKIN'