A dwarf iris that flowers very early. The bulbs should be planted in early autumn either to the front of a border, in pots, or into grass where they could grow alongside other early flowerers such as snowdrops. I usually have a couple of shallow bowls planted up with them in my open porch where I can enjoy the detailed markings on their petals… without getting too cold! 

Iris reticulata at Dunham Massey in February

Last year, I was a bit late in getting the bulbs planted, so I’ve bought a couple of pots of ‘instant’ plants that are about to flower – Iris ‘Pixie’, neat growth with rich violet blue flowers and yellow and white markings. The other bulbs (now poking through the soil) are Iris ‘Harmony’, royal-blue flowers with a striped white throat and bright yellow central band on the falls. The crests have a slightly feathered edge, creating a ruffled effect. Both types have an RHS Award of Garden merit so are good ‘doers’.