Magical Iris reticulata are some of the first bulbs to flower in late winter and pale blue ‘Alida’ is an excellent variety for adding a welcome splash of colour to the garden.

Silky, sky-blue petals unfurl in February and March, featuring white and deeper blue flecks on their falls, with a contrasting, sunny streak of yellow.

Perfect for container displays, the bulbs can be layered with other spring blooming flowers for a long-lasting display and are ideal for rock gardens, where the large feathery flowers can be viewed up close and fully appreciated.

Pretty feathered blooms of baby blue unfurl during February and March on exquisite Iris ‘Blue Planet.’

Ideal for a soft pop of colour in pots, window-boxes and rock gardens so early in the year - the bulbs often push their way up through a bed of snow. Plant these garden gems where you can view their exquisite markings at close range – the lower petals feature darker veining and freckles, a touch of white and a lick of bold yellow.

Iris reticulata Blue Planet can be grown as part of a colourful spring display with other bulbs in the ground or in containers, in any well-drained neutral soil.

Exquisite Iris ‘Bucharica’ bears silky feathered blooms, consisting of upright ivory standards and golden-yellow falls, sometimes streaked in grey.

Part of the Juno group, this spectacular Iris produces vigorous plants and flowers which are larger and later than most dwarf iris species, blooming in April on stems up to 35cm tall. The deep green lanceolate leaves are also broader than Iris reticulata and are produced up the stems.

Plant the bulbs in a position in full sun, into well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Perfect for pots, rockeries, alpine gardens and sunny borders - plant in groups for impact.

A charming dwarf Iris which looks like hand-painted Delftware, with neat brushstrokes of deep cobalt, soft lilac-blue and white.

These distinctive spring plants are perfect for filling containers with early colour and are great for rockeries and alpine gardens, thriving in any neutral soil which is well-drained.

The pretty patterned flowers bloom during February and March and look most striking in groups. Plant the bulbs where you will appreciate their fleeting beauty up close and ensure they are not overshadowed or smothered by larger plants. If planting in pots, use the containers to adorn a doorway, or raise them onto a garden table for enjoyment.

Part of the reticulata group of irises, Iris ‘Danfordiae’ is loved for its sunny disposition, bearing wide petals of bright yellow with small brown speckles.

The vivid flowers bloom during February, adding a splash of colour to spring pots, rockeries and alpine beds. The blooms produce a sweet scent which travels in the air on warmer days.

At a full height of just 10cm, Iris Danfordiae should be grown near the front of a border, in a spot where the cheery flowers will be seen and appreciated.

Plant the bulbs in autumn, in full sun and in any soil which is moist and well-drained.

Petite Iris ‘J.S. Dijt’ is perfect for adding a classy touch of rich, velvety colour to the garden in early spring.

Grassy foliage appears in winter, from which the bewitching blooms appear in February and March. Petals of deep, opulent purple are splashed with a white blotch on their falls and a striking golden streak.

Fill pots and window boxes with the bulbs in autumn and top with moss or gravel for a treat in spring when the flowers unfurl. Can be planted as part of a mixed display or bulb lasagne, forming the uppermost layer of bulbs, usually first to emerge.

Also excellent for rock and alpine gardens – plant in groups for an impactful, stylish show of colour.

A reliable form of Iris reticulata, ‘Katharine’s Gold’ is an excellent option to inject an uplifting splash of colour into the garden in late winter and early spring.

Delicate pale yellow and white flowers stand upright on stems just 15cm tall, making them a lovely addition to window boxes and tabletop pots. Lemon-yellow petals are flecked with dark blue dashes and a bright yellow, velvet stripe glows along their centre.

Plant bulbs in autumn, in a sunny position and into any soil type which remains relatively damp and is well-drained.

Grass-like foliage emerges in late winter before the flowers follow swiftly in February and March.

An outstanding variety of reticulata Iris, producing breathtaking flowers during February and March.

Iris ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ holds an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS for its exquisite looks and excellent attributes.

The exceptional flowers feature soft bluish-green standards and falls, with slate blue veins and freckles, standing out against a glowing yellow stripe.

Excellent for rockery and alpine gardens and perfect for pot displays.

Plant the bulbs in autumn, into well-drained moisture retentive soil and add a layer of sharp grit to the top of container plantings to deter garden molluscs and weeds.

This sweet and dainty Iris will thrive in a sunny spot - be sure to grow it where you will appreciate the delicate beauty up close.

Often one of the first bulbs to bloom in February, Iris reticulata adds a dash of vibrant colour to the garden with its rich violet flowers.

The charming blooms are sweetly scented and attractive to bees and early pollinators. The lower petals, known as falls, feature a central bold yellow stripe and a splash of white.

Plant the bulbs to naturalise in garden borders and rockeries where they will naturalise with ease in well-drained soil, in a spot which receives full sun or is in dappled shade. Soil should remain moist in spring and can be allowed to dry out during the summer months.

Iris reticulata can also be grown successfully in pots.

The sapphire-blue blooms of dainty Iris reticulata ‘Fabiola’ make this early spring bulb a top choice for bringing a pop of colour into the garden in February and March.

Perfect for containers, especially those which are seen up close such as window boxes and tabletop pots. Plant the bulbs in moisture retentive soil with added drainage for wetter periods. A warm, sunny spot is best for these garden gems to thrive.

Reticulata Iris can be grown as part of a spring symphony next to Crocus, Snowdrops and Chionodoxa for a colourful display. Can be grown in borders, alpine beds and rockeries.

The early flowers of Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’ bring a rush of rich colour, just when the garden requires it in February.

The royal-blue blooms feature feathery standards and falls decorated with a yellow and white blotch.

Small but striking, this bold little Iris can be planted to naturalise in grass and will do well in a rockery or alpine border. The bulbs are also excellent grown in pots - place where the exquisite beauty and fragrance can be enjoyed.

Well-drained soil which remains moist in spring and a spot in full sun or dappled shade is essential for reticulata Iris to thrive.

A whimsical white beauty for the garden which blooms during February and March, ‘Natascha’ is a popular variety of reticulata Iris.

Great for growing in pots and window boxes where the delicate spring scent and intricate markings can be appreciated at close range.

Elegant ivory-white flowers with ice-blue veined falls and a golden tongue bloom atop stems 15cm tall.

Plant the teardrop bulbs in a sunny spot, into well-drained, moist soil. Containers can be topped with a layer of sharp grit or crushed shells to deter slugs and snails and help to prevent weeds.

Lovely in a rockery or alpine border next to other dainty perennials.

A pretty and petite Iris, ‘Pixie’ belongs to the reticulata family and stands just 15cm tall making it an excellent choice for spring containers.

The superb flowers bloom in an eye-catching shade of violet-blue, featuring a white patch and bright yellow mid-rib on their falls.

Closely related to popular ‘Harmony,’ this exquisite variety has been recognised by the RHS with an Award of Garden Merit for plant excellence and reliable qualities.

The bulbs should be planted in autumn, in a spot which receives plenty of sun and in moisture retentive, well-drained soil. Great for alpine and rock gardens.

The Iris Purple Hill enchants with lush purple petals, each adorned with striking yellow and white blotches on the falls. This regal flower exudes sophistication and grace, rich colours creating a dramatic focal point in any garden. As it blooms, it infuses the landscape with a sense of luxury and splendour, inviting admiration and adoration. The unique interplay of colours on its petals enhances its allure, making it a true garden jewel.

The palest sky-blue dwarf Iris, which looks as though it has been painted and splashed with blue ink. Iris ‘Sheila Ann Germaney’ unfurls its sweet, feathery blooms during February and March when a pop of colour is most welcome in the garden. A strong streak of bold yellow on the falls complements the subtle blue tones perfectly.

Plant the bulbs in groups in autumn, into well-drained soil which remains moist in spring. The bulbs can be allowed to dry out in the summer months and should never be waterlogged.

Excellent for container planting. Place pots and vessels near a doorway or at a raised level for maximum enjoyment.

A harmonious pairing of two exquisite blue dwarf Iris.

Blooming in tandem during February and March, this mixture includes the bulbs of soft blue Iris ‘Alida’ and royal blue ‘Harmony.’

With both varieties reaching a dainty 15cm in height, this pretty mix is ideal for planting near the front of a mixed border, in rockery gardens and spring container displays.

Plant the teardrop bulbs in moisture-retentive soil in full sun. Ensure the ground or your potting mix is able to drain well, especially during the winter months as waterlogging can lead to rotting.

Planting in groups and swathes creates a natural and impactful display.

A superb mix of Iris reticulata varieties, with colours ranging from the softest blue through to the richest deep purples. All feature distinctive and attractive markings on their falls such as a sweep of vibrant yellow, blue flecks and finely painted veining.

The bulbs should be planted in autumn, into any well-drained soil in full sun. Ideal for colourful container displays, the flowers bloom during February and March at a height of 15cm.

Place pots where you can view the delicate flowers and their exquisite markings and colours up close – a garden tabletop, window box or near a doorway you pass through often are perfect spots.