Dwarf Iris

(dwarf - i·ris | \ ˈdwȯrf - ˈī-rəs \)

Also Known As:

Iris reticulata

	When to Plant:
	Fall

	Blooms:
	Early Spring

	Light Requirements:
	Full Sun to Partial Shade

	Plant Height:
	4-8"

	Hardiness Zones:
	Grow as Perennial in zones 5-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone

	Planting Depth:
	2-3"

	Plant Spacing:
	2-3"

	Plant Type:
	Bulb

About

The Dwarf Iris is one of the first blooms of spring along with Chionodoxa, Crocus and Snowdrops. Grows and flowers best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Its narrow, linear leaves grow to the same level as the flower at bloom time but will continue to grow up to 12-15" before disappearing by late spring for dormancy.

Highlights

Grows well in containers, borders, rock gardens & mass plantings
Low growing
Deer & critter resistant
Sweet fragrance
Drought tolerant

Planting Care & Instructions

Plant in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Dig a hole to the required depth. Place bulb in hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.

For container planting, bury the bulb three times as deep as the bulb is wide. In zones 6 and below, you will need to protect your bulb containers. Place them near the foundation of the house or other structure. In zones 3-5, place the container in an unheated garage or shed.

After blooming, leave the bulbs in place so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. Propagate in the fall by division after they have been chilled for four weeks in a moist medium.

Refer to the USDA Planting Zone Map to find your zone.

Growing Tips

Select a planting site that has reasonably fertile soil and plenty of moisture that will not allow the bulbs to dry out in summer. Good drainage and a sheltered location will help them survive the winter to return for years to come. Best planted in large groups of 30 bulbs per square foot. It is recommended that gardeners in zone 5 should add a 2" layer of mulch in fall.

Go back