Plant Height: 6 inches
Flower Height: 8 inches
Spacing: 4 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Description:
Dainty little dark-blue flowers are marked with white and gold towards the throat; blooms emerge from lush, grass-like foliage; hardy and easy to grow; cut back in the fall to reduce pests
Ornamental Features
Reticulated Iris has masses of beautiful royal blue flag-like flowers with white overtones and gold stripes at the ends of the stems from early to mid spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.
Landscape Attributes
Reticulated Iris is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Reticulated Iris is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
Planting & Growing
Reticulated Iris will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 8 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 6 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 4 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.
