Iris reticulata Spot On - Netted iris

The Iris reticulata 'Spot On', obtained 20 years ago, remains a small bulbous plant that is rarely used in our gardens and difficult to find in French horticultural trade. However, it is a gem for rock gardens and a precious plant for dry and poor soils, especially since this reticulated iris blooms as early as the end of winter. This compact variety forms unusual flowers with very thin floral parts and an orchid-like pattern. Mostly purple, they display horizontal sepals invaded by white, with black spots and indigo stripes at the tips. Absolutely stunning, these flowers deserve to be planted in a container to be observed up close.

The 'Spot On' Iris reticulata is a Canadian variety resulting from the cross-breeding between the Iris reticulata Gem Purple and a Turkish species called I.reticulata var. Bakeriana, to which it bears a strong resemblance. These plants naturally grow in alpine meadows and rocky habitats (on limestone and gneiss-rich soil), between 1000 and 2500m (3281 and 8202ft) altitude. 'Spot On' stands out first and foremost due to its size, much smaller than other varieties of reticulated iris. Forming a small, erect and spreading clump of 10cm (4in) in flower, this perennial extends indefinitely through the production of bulblets. The 'Spot On' cultivar blooms at the end of winter, when the days start to lengthen, usually in February-March. Its solitary flowers, 4 to 6cm (2in) long, are relatively large compared to the size of the plant. They consist of 3 female floral parts, called styles, transformed into narrow, upright, spatulate petals purple in colour. Beneath this trio of petaloid styles, 3 horizontal sepals are arranged in a quincunx pattern. Wider, they are convex and intensely coloured black and midnight blue on a white background. Each flower is enclosed at the base in two scale-like bracts of a purplish green colour. The foliage, short during flowering, lengthens afterwards. The basal leaves are glaucous green, with a quadrangular section, sheathing at the base. They are deciduous and disappear in summer.

The reticulated iris is perfect in rock gardens, borders, flower beds, or to decorate temporary flowering pots, which can be brought indoors to fully enjoy its fragrance. It pairs well with Iris pumila, botanical crocuses, Anemone blanda, or Algerian iris. Let the bulbs naturalize, and after a few years, they will form lovely clumps that herald the return of spring. In its native range, this plant experiences cold and snowy winters, as well as hot and dry summers. Therefore, it can easily be adopted in mountainous and rocky gardens, or in a dry garden.