Dwarf Bearded Iris O'Cool

Delightful white falls with intricate markings of gold and purple. The beard is yellow then fading to white. The white standards have a gentle ruffle and are nice and upright.

Dwarf Bearded Iris are more compact and flower earlier than the standard forms of Bearded Iris. These mini marvels are simply superb in large and small gardens and of course pots. They even make great cut flowers.

Dwarf Bearded Iris are easy care and will bring plenty of colour to your beds. Their late spring show bridges the gap between the spring and summer blooms, and are in colour for around a month, beginning just as the tulips are fading.

The sword like foliage of Dwarf Bearded Iris opens in a fan shape. It stands tall and is a handsome feature almost year round. They are semi evergreen, so in cool climates, when the leaves start to look a little lack lustre in winter, just cut them back to around 10cm. They will soon re-shoot. In more mild climates you might do this in summer.

Dwarf Bearded Iris will thrive in any well drained soil in a sunny position, and tend to flower better with a touch of frost. Plant your Dwarf Bearded Iris rhizome at the soil surface, with the top exposed (at the point where the green growth starts). The rhizome should be kept clear of other plants and weeds. Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low. An annual application of rose fertiliser in late winter or in summer will keep them happy.

If you are moving Dwarf Bearded Iris, it is best to wait until flowering has finished, then cut the foliage back to around 3cm before replanting. Ensure you protect your plants from slugs and snails.

Dwarf Bearded Iris make an excellent companion plant for roses.