Underused iris bulbs

Reticulated irises and Danford irises are dwarf irises that are great for naturalizing. Both are underused in our area. What we see are bearded irises that like to bake in the sun in late May and June. Danford is classified in the reticulated iris group. Under the Danford iris are other hybridized irises such as Katherine Hodgkin, George and Sea Breeze.

Reticulated irises need well-drained soil. If the soil gets and stays wet, the bulbs will rot. They grow best in full sun, but also do well in partial shade. Once they are established, they tolerate drought and seem to be deer-resistant. The biggest difference between bearded and reticulated irises is that after blooming the leaves fade away. Once a bearded iris blooms, the leaves need to be trimmed to a few inches from the ground after the leaves start turning yellow in the fall.

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