I'm seeing more varieties offered in bulb catalogs, but have no experience growing these. I've grown I. reticulata for years, and love them, and seeing new color options among some new varieties of I. histrioides, has got me considering trying them.

I read a mention of the bulbs of some varieties, splitting into smaller bulbs after the first bloom (similar to Tulips), and that it can take a few years before they gain enough size to bloom again. I have also read that I. danfordiae demonstrates this tendency, which has kept me from trying them.

Curious about experiences any of you have with these, and if they are reliable perennials.

Katharine Hodgkin is a cross between it & reticulata which grows well.

Thank you Lucy! Katherine Hodgkin is an interesting color too!

I don't remember this ones name I will have to look it up. I think it is a reticulata not sure.


I have some danfordiae and another little pale reticulata that I will have to get a photo of. I want to add some of the purple ones this fall.

Some of the little gems are described as fragrant, which I never realize because I'm not likely to squat down enough to get my nose that low to the ground! There's always that fear I won't be able to get back up, LOL. This has me thinking I need to try forcing some.

Too funny, Neal!

Bonnie, my other method is to just plant lots of something- enough that I can smell them while standing! I've been systematically adding more Hyacinths every year- I want to smell them wherever I happen to be! Imagining a few hundred of a little Iris, planted all together to create a fragrant pool....aaaawwwwww- I've got to do this!

My imagination is going wild. I am still thinking of your 'blue rivulet' planting of Chionodoxa and waiting to see it bloom.

I planted quite a few more 'bulb iris" last fall...of several types....and, with any luck...the next several weeks should see them bloom !

`Arlyn, what types? You know we've got inquiring minds around here! LOL

Over the last two years:
I. danfordiae
I. reticulata (Cantab)
" (Edward)
" (Gordon)
" (Harmony)
" (J.S.Dijt)
" (Springtime)
" un named mixture
I. historides (Frank Elder)
" (George)
" (Katherine Hodgkin)
" (Sheila Ann )
also ,some "mixed' English iris (Dutch don't do well here, but the English, or Spanish iris are supposed to be more "hardy"

What a collection, Arlyn! I want to see photos when they bloom.

I grew danfordiae at my last house, but for the life of me can't remember much about it.. I guess I'll have to try it again (one of the joys of gorwing older.. everything is new again!)..

I planted bucharica this year. I noticed, when I was watering yesterday, that they had popped out of the ground. Now I play the waiting game for bloom..

Arlyn what is your source for the bulbs? I have not seen as many varieties.

https://www.mzbulb.com/ McClure and Zimmerman....they have lots of "unusual" stuff....species tulips, crocus , etc.

I've tried I. danfordiae a few times, even though I was warned. They didn't bloom and didn't come back even though planted in full sun on a steep slope. Both I. bucharica and Katharine Hodgkin have multiplied and seem happy.

Thanks Arlyn! I'm intrigued by the English Irises, the Dutch varieties are mostly just annuals here, so I've stopped planting them. It's great to hear there is an alternative! Looking forward to finding out how those all perform for you. Please post pics and updates here

Lucy, Brent and Becky's offers those on Arlyn's list too, aside from the English or Spanish ones.

Sherry, I love I. bucharica, and plan to get more this fall. I had them in my previous garden, and one came along for the ride with a clump of another perennial, and that one has returned every year, with a little increase.

Thanks, Evan! Great news on Katherine Hodgkin!

I noticed another species Brent and Becky's offered last year, I. winogradowii. No pic and not much info in the data base, but it is creamy yellow with lemon yellow markings and darker freckles. Looks like a sweet one, anyone growing those?

Been looking into English, or more correctly known as Spanish Iris, I. latifolia. Where have these beauties been all my life? I wish more vendors were offering them on this side of the pond!

The 'English' irises seemed to be prone to virus, so people have stopped buying them, as the petals turn 'streaky'.