About this cultivar: Iris 'Harmony' (Reticulata) is a miniature Iris which has relatively large, deep sky blue flowers with a striped white throat and a bright yellow central band on the falls. The crests have a slightly feathered edge, creating a softly ruffled effect. For a slighly paler blue check out Iris 'Joyce'. Position: Full sun, partial shade Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert Flowers: January, February Other features: Suitable for Container Hardiness: Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert Habit: Clump forming Foliage: Deciduous Height: 0 - 15 cm (0 - 0.15 ft) Spread: 0 - 15 cm (0 - 0.15 ft) Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial Colour: Green, blue Goes well with: Hosta, Hemerocallis, Geranium About this genus: Iris (i-ris) is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, Iris is also used as a common name. Long in cultivation there seem to be as many cultivars as plants. Culturally the genus has had quite an impact. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized Iris, first occurs in its modern use as the emblem of the House of Capet (rulers of France 987 to 1328). It is also the universal symbol for Scouting. Many artists have a 'thing' with Iris, not least Van Gogh- who was a fan of Iris (not just sunflowers).... see images opposite! As a group, Iris species can range from drought-tolerant dry land perennials to bog dwellers and from sun to shade, so there is no set of cultivation rules for the genus as a whole. In general though the cultivars we have in our garden (and sell), are tough, low maintenance plants perfect for wet gardens and similar sites. Try pairing irises in the garden with Hosta, Hemerocallis, Geranium. They also look great as a cut-flower; the reason you don't get them in florists is that they don't transport well.
