A blue flowering dwarf Iris with intense pale blues, Iris reticulata ‘Alida’, a rare highlight in winter and one of the early flowering iris varieties.
This dwarf variety, ‘Alida’ is a sport of ‘Harmony’. It has attractive intense pale to deep blue flowers with ‘lemon yellow’, blue and white markings on the falls.
This is a true bulb, a miniature iris that will flower from mid winter to spring depending on the climate.
Widely grown in containers where the flowers can easily be appreciates as they emerge, this is also an iris that over the long term is best suited to growing in the ground or perhaps a rock garden.
We have also seen reticulate iris naturalised into lawns, well worth a try for some added interest in winter.
Said by some sources to be fragrant, we find the fragrance to be slight. Flower colour will vary a little depending on the source.
Iris reticulata ‘Alida’ Care
Best grown in a sunny position in a humus rich well drained soil.
They can be grown in containers for a year or two however, like all of the Reticulata Iris, ‘Alida’ really needs to go into the ground after a year or two to maintain vigour.
We suggest growing in a rock garden or crevice garden for good results.
Foliage follows the flowers and should be left until it dies right back in spring to summer. This provided the bulbs with the energy for next seasons growth.
Detailed Care
- LIGHT
Iris reticulata ‘Alida’ thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent scorching. - SOIL POTTING MIX
This iris prefers well-draining soil, it grows well in rock gardens and crevice gardens as well as in containers. A sandy or loamy soil with added grit or pumice fro drainage works well. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0 to 7.0) to support healthy growth. - WATERING
Moderate watering is key. During the growing season, keep the soil just moist never wet and soggy. After flowering, reduce watering to allow the bulbs to dry out, as they enter dormancy. Overwatering especially during dormancy will quickly lead to bulb rot. - TEMPERATURE and TOLERANCES
Iris reticulata ‘Alida’ is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. Ideally, they prefer cooler climates, with optimal growing conditions between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) during the day. They can withstand winter temperatures down to cool temperate, or USDA zone 5. Ensure that bulbs are planted at the appropriate depth, aim for around 5cm (2 inches) to protect them from extreme cold. A layer of mulch in colder zones over winter will provide added protection.
Summary
- Botanical Name – Iris reticulata Alida
- Common Name – Dwarf Iris Alida or Netted Iris.
- Family – Iridaceae
- Position – Full sun to afternoon shade.
- Soil – Moist, well drained with reasonably dry summers.
- Height – 12cm
- Spread – Flower size is 6 – 7 cm
- Planting distance – Around 7cm apart.
- Soil – Humus rich free draining
- Flowers – Pale blue petals with deeper falls marked with pale blue, yellow and white.
- Flowering Time – Late winter to spring depending on climate zone
Available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
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