Iris reticulata collection

Beguiling, low-growing plants, reticulata iris produce their colourful and lightly scented blooms in late winter and early spring. Outside, they will add early interest at the front of a sunny border, gravel garden or alpine bed, but they also make excellent additions to pots and can even be brought inside for a short time when in flower.

Originating from mountainous slopes in parts of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran and Iraq, they will flourish in a sunny spot with freely draining neutral to slightly alkaline soils.

If grown in pots, choose a loam-based potting compost and add a little extra grit. Plant the bulbs 10cm (4in) deep in late summer or early autumn leaving approximately 10cm (4in) between each (closer in pots). When actively growing they should be watered moderately, but reduce this during their summer dormancy.