Iris reticulata 'Blue Note' has not been available for many years, but it has attracted quite a following. A member of the reticulata group of irises, it grows to just 8-15cm in height, and has upright, narrow, grey-green foliage. Its flowers are some of the first to appear in the year, and are deep purple to blue, marked white. The colouring has been described as one of the deepest of any reticulata iris—and it brings a real touch of the exotic to a late winter or early spring garden. The flowers are also fragrant—unusual for irises—which is why this cultivar is so often grown in a pot, where you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the blooms close-up. However, Iris reticulata 'Blue Note' may also be grown in borders, or even naturalised in grass. Iris reticulata cultivars are extremely easy to grow. If your garden is not especially sunny, well drained, or sheltered (which these little flowers prefer), then this is another reason for growing them in pots or patio containers, where you can site them in optimum conditions. After a summer rest, they can be replanted in fresh compost the following autumn.
