Scientific Name:
Iris reticulata
Pronunciation:
EYE-riss ruh-tick-you-LATE-uh
Common Name:
reticulated iris, dwarf iris
Family Name:
Iridaceae
Plant Type:
Flowering pot plant, Herbaceous perennial
Key ID Features:
The most early and low flowering iris on campus; leaves 2-4, basal, linear, angular to almost 4-sided at base (does not roll well between fingers), 10-20cm long and then elongating to 30-40cm long after flowering, withering by late spring (plant goes dormant); flowers 6-7cm wide and only about 10-15cm above ground, purple with gold signal and white veins on the falls (the larger petal-like sepals).
Habit:
Upright
Form:
Mounded
Texture:
Medium
Mature Height:
0.1 - 0.2m
Mature Spread:
< 0.1m
Origin:
Central / west Asia (Turkey)
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 5: (-29 to -23 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Water Use:
Moderate
Landscape Uses:
Fragrance, Indoor plant, Perennial border, Small garden/space, Spring interest
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Basal
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible, Parallel venation
Surfaces:
Glabrous
Colour in Fall:
Green
Shapes:
Linear
Apices:
Acute
Bases:
Cuneate
Margins:
Entire
Inflorescence Type:
Raceme
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
3
Corolla Shape:
Ligulate
Ovary Position:
Inferior
Colour (petals):
Blue, Violet
Flower Scent:
Fragrant, Sweet
Flower Time at Peak:
Feb, Mar
Additional Info:
The outer petal-like sepals (called falls) are broad and spread out; three inner petals (called standards) that are typically more upright; the three stigma branches also appear petal-like
Fruit Type:
Capsule
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Apr, May
Additional Info:
Not showy
Bark or Stem Colour:
n/a
Organ Modifications:
Bulbs
Propagation:
Division - below ground parts
Optimal Temp.:
Low
Light Level:
Medium
Maintenance:
Low
Pest Susceptibility:
Root rot (Pest resistant, Disease resistant, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant)
