Add a splash of late winter cheer to your garden with these cute dwarf irises. Fully hardy throughout the UK (below -20°C), these distinctive white and gold flowers are the perfect herald of spring. With the distinctive shape of an iris in pocket-sized form, these dwarf irises bloom at the end of winter, and are the perfect addition to bring you into the new season. With cream-coloured flowers displaying a tongue of golden colour and pale blue speckles, these early-blooming beauties really shine. Suitable for growing in containers as well as in the ground in your garden, window box or balcony. To get the best out of these easygoing flowers, plant the bulbs out in autumn, in a spot which gets some sun, and look forward to the results in spring. Bulbous perennial Flower, clump forming Flowers in late winter to early spring, foliage in spring to early summer. Scientific NameIris reticulata (net-like Iris - named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow) Common NameDwarf Iris, Netted Iris, Snow Iris, Golden Netted Iris OriginNative to Iran, Iraq, Türkiye and the Caucasus Pruning TipsNo pruning required, you can let the flowers die back themselves. Deadhead to encourage further blooming. Wildlife ValueIris are attractive to bees, and can be an important source of early pollen. Especially good for long-tongued bees like the Common Carder Bumblebee. PositioningPlant in full sun, iris can grow in exposed as well as sheltered positions. WaterKeep the soil slightly moist year-round; you may need to water, but only in spells of dry weather. SoilUse a well-draining soil; neutral or slightly alkaline is best. FoodFeed with a liquid fertiliser or by mulching in autumn when you plant the bulbs, and/or just after flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which encourage foliage rather than flowers to grow. Pet-safeNo, irises are toxic to cats, dogs and humans - though not to birds, horses and livestock. Sprouts Top TipsFor a striking display, plant Iris bulbs in groups of 10-15. Pair with other early bloomers like crocuses or snowdrops for a vibrant spring garden.
