Iris Reticulata Harmony
Bulbous Iris Reticulata. Although in most documentation regarded to as Spring flowering, I have found that even here in Aberdeen Reticulata Harmony will start flowering freely from February in some years.Flowers are royal blue with a yellow central mark on each fall, height is 10-15cm (4-6in.
Grow in well drained soil which is on the alkaline side, plant about 2in deep, also best positioned in full sun. Adding grit to the soil is worthwhile giving good drainage to a plant that hates to get water logged.
Planting in drifts along with Crocus can be very effective. Divide bulbs in late Summer after several years and also add a low nitrogen feed every Spring, if your soil happens to be on the acidic side sprinkle with a little lime.
The Iris Reticulata above was in one of our back garden borders three years ago. In spite of planting with great care I found that in the second year only three or four of the flowers came through. I am really not certain why this should be, however I now just treat it as a Spring flowering annual which often we plant in containers.
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Pond Iris Versicolour
The Pond Iris Versicolour at the moment is the only Perennial Iris which we have in the garden. I can only think that this came about as a result of our early gardening habits which made us look for plants which would flower for a long period.
Versicolour above is planted in our pond as a marginal plant and performs very well each year. The plant is clump forming and has mid green narrow strap like leaves. Flowers are violet blue with white markings and a touch of yellow. Flowering in July, it is quite a delightful plant and of course as I have hinted at flowering time is short.
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