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Iris danfordiae (Dwarf Iris)

Dwarf Iris 'danfordiae, Danford Iris, Iris reticulata 'Danfordiae'

Iris danfordiae, Dwarf Iris 'danfordiae, Danford Iris, Iris reticulata 'Danfordiae', Early spring Iris,Yellow flowers, Yellow iris
Iris danfordiae, Dwarf Iris 'danfordiae, Danford Iris, Iris reticulata 'Danfordiae', Early spring Iris,Yellow flowers, Yellow iris

Iris danfordiae is a superb Dwarf Iris with vibrant primrose-yellow flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), beautifully adorned with tiny chocolate speckles on each fall. The foliage of slender, grass-like, gray-green leaves elongates after flowering, up to 12 in. long (30 cm). Blooming in late winter to early spring, these pretty flowers (usually 1-2 per bulb) are rich with a sweet fragrance. A small bulbous perennial that brings life and cheerfulness whatever the weather.

  • Grows up to 3-4 in. tall (8-10 cm)
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, neutral or slightly alkaline, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil relatively dry in summer in order for the bulbs to set buds for the following year.
  • Perfect in containers, rock gardens, under trees and shrubs or at the front of borders. Spectacular when planted in groups (at least 20 bulbs)!
  • Deer resistant and drought tolerant.
  • To be planted in fall, 4 in. deep (10 cm) and 3 in. apart (7 cm).
  • Propagate by seed or from offsets.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Native to Turkey and the Caucasian Mountains, Dwarf Irises (Iris reticulata) are small, bulbous perennials with grass-like leaves and solitary, sometimes fragrant purple, yellow or blue flowers that burst into bloom in early spring to create an effect reminiscent of butterflies hovering low to the ground. This sight brightens the aspect of late winter days!

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris reticulata
Common names Bearded Iris, Dwarf Iris, Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early), Winter
Height 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm)
Spread 3" (8cm)
Spacing 3" (8cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris ‘J.S. Dijt’ (Dwarf Iris)
Iris ‘Cantab’ (Dwarf Iris)
Iris ‘Clairette’ (Dwarf Iris)
Iris ‘Sea Breeze’ (Dwarf Iris)
Iris ‘Spot-on’ (Dwarf Iris)
Iris ‘Scent Sational’ (Dwarf Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Crocus tommasinianus ‘Whitewell Purple’ (Early Crocus)
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)
Cyclamen coum ‘Maurice Dryden’ (Persian Violet)
Helleborus Angel Glow (Hellebore)
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ (Japanese Sedge)
Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)

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Iris reticulata (Dwarf Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris reticulata
Common names Bearded Iris, Dwarf Iris, Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early), Winter
Height 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm)
Spread 3" (8cm)
Spacing 3" (8cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Iris reticulata (Dwarf Iris) to pick?
Compare Now

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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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