Blues

Iris reticulata. Like Crocus reticulatus the name refers to the bulb tunic which is reticulate, or netted with finely woven fibres. This is the first of many different forms which brighten the garden and cold frame here. There are various shades, mostly of blue or purple.

Several different forms of Iris reticulata are available cheaply from Garden Centres in the autumn. They like a sunny spot in well drained soil and need to be planted very deep, as much as six inches down. This protects the bulbs from changes in soil moisture and temperature. When they are not happy with the site they tend to break up into lots of small bulbs, lots of leaves next year but no flowers :-(