Iris Bulbs

How to choose Iris bulbs

Irises make excellent cut flowers and are spectacular in the border and in containers on the patio. They’re a very versatile flower bulb. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and this is certainly appropriate given the range of colours available when growing these aristocratic blooms. Here we answer some frequently asked questions to help you narrow down which Iris is best in your patch.

Which Iris flowers in winter?

Iris 'Eyecatcher' flowers in January and February. It’s a low-growing dwarf Iris that reaches a height of 20cm. The dark blue speckles and blue and bright yellow stripes make this an eye-catching option for the late winter garden. Pair with Iris reticulata 'Purple Hill' to add a splash of deep purple in mid-winter.

Which Irises have the biggest flower?

Bearded Irises have very large, showy flowers on long strong stems. The flowers have little beard-like hairs on the underside of their lower petals. You can expect to see two or three flowers per stem from these beauties.

Iris germanica is a great place to start with bearded Irises. There are plenty of lovely cultivars to choose from including the peach and purple petalled Iris 'Rose de Perse' and the unusual, buff-yellow 'Buckwheat'.

Which Iris are native?

Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag Iris) is a native variety to the UK. Plant these beautiful yellow Iris bulbs in damp soil with plenty of mulch. Alternatively, treat the native Iris like a marginal aquatic, which is its preferred natural habitat, and surround a nature pond with the bulbs. Enjoy the ornamental seed heads in autumn.

What are the best Iris varieties for pots and containers?

For pots, choose dwarf Iris varieties that won't get too tall. Iris Dwarf, Iris reticulata ‘Spot On’, and the beautiful Iris ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ are all excellent choices that provide early spring colour without needing a lot of space.

Can I get Irises that flower more than once a season?

Yes, some Irises flower more than once a season. You will need to select a re-blooming variety bred for this purpose. Iris Autumn Circus Reblooming, Iris Victoria Falls Re-Blooming, and the colourful Iris Orange Harvest Re-Blooming are all reliable choices for a second flush of flowers.

What are the top choices for Irises that flower in early spring?

For spring-flowering Irises, plant Iris reticulata types. Iris Harmony provides a rich blue, while Iris danfordiae offers a vibrant yellow. The pale blue and yellow of Iris Katharine Hodgkin is another stunning early-flowering option.

Which Iris has the most striking pattern?

For something that really stands out, choose an Iris with intricate markings. Iris ‘Eycatcher' has a stunning, detailed pattern, Iris Bumblebee Deelite has a charming yellow and purple combination, and Iris Autumn Circus Reblooming features a striking white and blue-splashed design.