Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' (Dwarf Iris)

Dwarf Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin', Iris reticulata 'Katharine Hodgkin'


Incredibly beautiful, award-winner Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' (Dwarf Iris) features large pale blue flowers with intricate deep blue veins and adorned with a creamy-yellow blotch at their base. The foliage of slender, grass-like, gray-green leaves typically rises to the same level as the flower but elongates to 12 in. (30 cm) after flowering before disappearing in late spring as the plant goes dormant. Blooming in late winter to early spring, these remarkable flowers (usually 1-2 per bulb) are rich with a sweet violet-like fragrance. 'Katharine Hodgkin' is an amazing hybrid between Iris winogradowii and Iris histrioides which is more vigorous than most Iris reticulata cultivars.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 4-5 in. tall (10-12 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, sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Lift and separate bulbs in early autumn
  • 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

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
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 Iris Reticulata - Dwarf Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Winter
Height 4" – 5" (10cm – 12cm)
Spread 3" (7cm)
Spacing 3" (7cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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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.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
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 Iris Reticulata - Dwarf Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Winter
Height 4" – 5" (10cm – 12cm)
Spread 3" (7cm)
Spacing 3" (7cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Guides with Iris Reticulata - Dwarf Iris

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