Iris reticulata, the netted iris or golden netted iris,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native from eastern Turkey to Iran,[3] but cultivated widely in temperate regions. The reticulata group of irises is characterised by a fibrous net surrounding the bulb. They are small plants to 15 centimetres (5.9 in), with tubular, sharply-pointed, ribbed leaves, and flowers of yellow, blue or purple with an orange blaze on the falls, appearing in early spring. They are hardy, but prefer a well-drained sunny position in soil which dries out in summer; they are therefore suitable for a rock or gravel garden.[4]

The following cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:

  • 'George'[5] (purple)
  • 'Katharine Hodgkin'[6] (pale blue)
  • 'Pixie'[7] (deep blue)

There is a known variety called Iris reticulata var. bakeriana (also known as Iris bakeriana).

References

  1. ^ "Iris reticulata M.Bieb. is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  2. ^ Rudy J. Favretti and Joy P. Favretti Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildings: A Handbook for Reproducing and creating authentic landscape settings, p. 145, at Google Books
  3. ^ "Iris reticulata M.Bieb. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science".
  4. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
  5. ^ "Iris 'George'". RHS. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'". RHS. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Iris 'Pixie'". RHS. Retrieved 8 June 2020.