Dutch Iris Blue Sapphire

Dutch iris fill in that awkward gap as the spring bulbs are fading and the perennials are only just waking up. `Blue Sapphire` is one of a new generation of these stunning blooms. They offer vigorous growth, longer flowering time and extended vase life.

Dutch Iris `Blue Sapphire` has deep blue standards and softer blue falls.

Exotic, hardy plants perfect for late spring colour. Dutch Iris are one of the tallest spring bulbs available making them ideal for planting at the back of beds and borders. They look best when planted in groups or swathes. Their straight stems are also excellent for picking.

The foliage of Dutch Iris is mid green, narrow, and upright. It is the perfect complement to the blooms and easy to weave into almost any garden scheme. You can even grow them in large containers or pots.

Dutch Iris are delightfully hardy bulbs which will easily naturalise to give you years of increasing colour. Plant 10-15cm deep in any well drained soil. Ideally prepare your soil prior to planting by digging through some well rotted cow manure, to give the bulbs a head start.

Water Dutch Iris to establish, then only if rainfall is low, they become dry tolerant as they mature. Keep relatively dry during dormancy. Choose a spot with at least six hours of sun a day. Fertilise with a general purpose fertiliser or blood and bone annually when they are in bloom.

Allow foliage to stand after flowering. You can cut it back once it has yellowed and the bulb goes into dormancy. Dutch Iris are relatively trouble free, but it is a good idea to protect new growth from slugs and snails, and keep an eye out for aphids.

If you are pushed for space in the garden try companion planting your Dutch Iris with salad greens in the veggie plot. You can pick the blooms and harvest the leaves at the same time. Plant more greens as needed and they will help hide the fading foliage.

Supplied as: Bulbs