When I was passing the dining room window a few minutes ago, I noticed a bit of purple on the alpine scree, straight away I knew what it must be – Iris reticulata Pauline was flowering!
Iris reticulata Pauline.
In the 20 odd years that these bulbs have been in the garden, this is the earliest that they have ever flowered, not surprising when you consider the mild weather we are having.
Iris reticulata Pauline.
It is pouring down today so wet weather gear was needed to take just a few photos!
Iris reticulata Pauline.
The colour isn’t reproducing accurately unfortunately, the flower is more of a burgundy than the photos are showing.
Iris reticulata Pauline.
I have a few different varieties of Iris reticulata, but Pauline is always the first to flower. I can see another bud almost ready to open down at the bottom of the photo.
Iris reticulata Pauline.
These Iris are so dainty, with beautiful markings on their petals, I love them all. I have planted a lot more on a sunny slope in the woodland, so if the rain stops I must go and see if any more are flowering. I managed to get lots of these bulbs which I have put into bowls and a few lucky people will be getting them for Christmas, they make such lovely presents.
Have you planted up any bulbs up to give away this Christmas ?
I have given up planting iris bulbs as presents. They usually make a lot of foliage and no flowers! I don’t know what I am doing wrong, but I will have to practice before giving any more away. My garden bulbs are through, but it will be a while before they flower.
Lovely to see your Pauline looking wonderful.
What a shame your bulbs in bowls just make leaves Annette. I usually keep mine in the dark and on the cool side until the flower buds appear. Hopefully these this year will be ok.
I had lots of Iris reticulata in a previous garden, but none in my current one. I really should plant some, they are such a great punch of early color.
I agree Alison, they are a lovely spot of colour in the winter. The ones in pots aren’t as far on as the ones in the garden, but hopefully they will catch up and flower soon after Christmas. Yes, go on, plant some more!
Crikey Pauline, your irises are well ahead of mine. I haven’t seen any sign of them yet. I have also been out in the wind and rain though, putting a cage over my special snowdrop to protect it from you know who.
This is the only one flowering at the moment Jessica, the others all have their snouts showing, so it won’t be long before they join in. I will whisper this next bit, I’ve never had problems with the snowdrops being eaten, I hope I haven’t tempted fate by saying that, hope yours survive!
What a surprise! I’m trying to convince things here to take it easy, but our warm winter is also encouraging things to break dormancy far too early. I saw blooms on a cherry just yesterday!
Only my mother will be lucky enough to receive a potted bulb this Christmas. I bought several amaryllis on clearance last week and have convinced myself a good son should share at least one with his mother!
Lucky Mum Frank, I’m sure she deserves it and will thoroughly enjoy growing the amaryllis!
The weather just doesn’t know how to behave at the moment, we have it far too warm for this time of year, but it is very wet. The forecast is that we will be colder by Christmas, but still above freezing, so plants that are flowering now should hopefully be safe.
What a gorgeous color! That is a present I would love to receive! I have received potted amaryllises as gifts on occasion and have given amaryllis, narcissus and hyacinth bulbs as gifts. I really prefer something I can put in the ground to cut flowers, though I don’t turn my nose up at those either!
Any bulbs given to me in pots Deb, I always plant them in the garden after they have flowered and usually they came again the following year. I am trying to get last years Amaryllis to flower again at the moment, I think there is new growth, but it won’t be in flower for Christmas!
Your ‘Pauline’ is a beauty! I’ve never grown Iris reticulata but admire them and will add some one of these days. Starting bulbs in pots is a wonderful gift idea as I love potting bulbs but have never given them as gifts.
Thank you Peter, I am rather fond of it! I love receiving bulbs in pots, so I hope the ones I give are well received! I potted quite a few for myself this year, narcissus, hyacinths and more iris, they are all showing signs of flowering soon, but I don’t think they will be in flower for Christmas as they are in a cool conservatory.
What a lovely namesake to have in your garden. I have not grown any Iris reticulata. It’s on my list – I like the smaller early bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, and scilla. This would be a good companion for them.
The only downside to Iris reticulata Jason, is the leaves carry on growing after flowering and they are rather long and messy while dying off.
I too love all the small spring bulbs, they make the woodland floor like a tapestry, while every where else is bare.