Iris Reticulata

Posted by Alistair on Monday, January 8th, 2007

Talking about Snowdrops the other day now takes me to another winter flowering plant. 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. 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.
Now that there is less natural food available for the garden birds the feeding stations require filling every two or three days. Yesterday we had the company of several Redwings, a Scandinavian winter visiting thrush which we have not seen in recent years.