Iris reticulata Natascha

The Iris reticulata Natascha, also known as reticulated iris, is a small, sturdy bulbous plant, perfectly hardy and trouble-free. Its flowering is very early; its delicate flowers, white with yellow markings, bloom from the end of winter, at the same time as snowdrops. They are slightly and pleasantly scented. This plant adapts well both in flower beds and in pots. It enjoys the sun and well-drained, cool soil in winter and dry soil in summer.

The Iris reticulata is a perennial plant of the iridaceae family, native to the mountains of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. This iris is very hardy (up to -34°C (-29.2°F)) and easy to grow. 'Natascha', from which it originates, develops from a storage organ, which is an elongated bulb 2 to 3 cm (1in) tall, covered with a white epidermis. It blooms from the end of February, or in March depending on the climate, before the foliage appears, making it valuable in the garden. The flowers, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) wide, are borne on stems about 12 cm (5in) tall. They are large compared to the size of the plant and appear to emerge directly from the ground. They consist of 3 erect, white inner tepals, dominating 3 more horizontal outer tepals, marked with a golden yellow spot and mauve streaks. They are slightly scented. The foliage develops when the flowers fade, forming a clump of narrow, stiff and pointed leaves, up to a maximum height of 20 cm (8in). It is at this moment that the bulb divides into several bulblets, allowing the plant to colonize its environment.

The Iris reticulata Natascha can be grown in pots as well as in sunny flower beds or rock gardens. Its only requirements are well-drained soil and a sunny exposure. It can be paired with other early-flowering small bulbs, such as snowdrops, spring crocuses, or early-flowering botanical tulips. It also pairs well with hellebores. They should be planted in groups of 15 bulbs to quickly create beautiful splashes of colour at the end of winter. It adapts perfectly to montane and Mediterranean climates.