Dutch Iris
Available for sale and planting from late summer to autumn dutch iris are widely used in the garden and as a cut flower. Growing and care of Dutch Iris is not difficult and they can easily be grown in pots or containers or mass planted in the garden for a stunning effect. Planting time for Dutch Iris Bulbs is Late Summer to early spring (Feb - June) for flowering in spring. With a stem length of up to 70cm they are used widely as a cut flower. named cultivars such as 'Saphire Beauty', 'Apollo', 'blue magic' and' purple sensation' are readily available from online suppliers.
Dutch Iris (Iris x hollandica or Iris xiphium) are easy to grow and care for, will reach 40 - 80cm in height and make a great display and are a favourite cut flower. Dutch Iris prefer a well drained, humus rich soil and plenty of sun. Dutch iris come in yellow, white, pale blue and the well know deep purple-blue, flowering in late spring they make a great display in the garden or in a pot. They are a true bulb and growing them is fairly simple. Aphids can be a problem as can snails, take normal precautions for these.
Try digging in some well rotted compost and cow manure a few weeks before planting. Plant bulbs 8 - 10cm deep and water well, leave undisturbed until overcrowded. If you do wish to divide or move these bulbs, wait until the foliage has died back in summer for best results. Remember, full sun to part shade. Fertilize with liquid seaweed fertilizer or a propietry 'bulb fertilizer' in early spring at the first sign of new growth.
Dutch iris are a hardy plant with attractive upright foliage and long lasting flowers well suited to use as cut flowers. They make a feature when planted in clumps in the garden but can also look good grown in pots or containers.
Dutch Iris Varieties, cultivars and colours
Dutch Iris come in range of colours including the well known blue, violet to purple petal varieties with the trademark yellow splash on each petal. 'Blue Magic' is a royal blue, 'Acapulco' a deep purple petal, 'Deep River' which is a lovely royal blue, and the mid blue 'Paris'.
Or you could look for something a little different, 'Casablanca' has white petals, the same yellow splash or tongue, but an outstanding Dutch Iris. And then we have 'Angel Wings' upright and a real stunner, white and yellow.
