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Iris Wee Harry - Dwarf iris

Iris pumila Wee Harry
Dwarf Iris

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An 18 cm tall dwarf iris in bloom, forming beautiful small flowering clumps in April. Its small, well-coloured flowers rise above delicate foliage. They have upright petals in rosy fawn, with medium rosy purple sepals streaked with reddish brown around bright white beards. Plant in the sun, on a slope or in a rockery.  
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
18 cm
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time February to March, July to October
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Flowering time April
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Description

The 'Wee Harry' Iris is a very warm-coloured, particularly attractive miniature dwarf iris that blooms in April. Its small flowers display a palette combining coppery pink buff and pinkish purple, illuminated by a small white beard. Planted in small groups, it will have a great effect on a slope, in a sunny rockery or in a planter.

The 'Wee Harry' Iris is classified in the horticultural group of Miniature Dwarf Bearded Iris (MDB). The varieties in this group meet the following criteria: foliage shorter than the flower stem, curved or sickle-shaped, height less than 25 cm and flowers 5 cm to 7.5 cm in diameter. It is a small rhizomatous, deciduous perennial plant, with an upright tufted habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. Cultivars of small irises appeared in the 1950s. Originally, the 'lilliput' category referred to the crossbreeding of an Iris pumila and a tall iris. This term now generally refers to the category of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDB).

The 'Wee Harry' Iris will reach a height of 18 cm when in bloom. It will spread indefinitely over time, with the rhizomes in the centre becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. This small plant has a low and dense tufted habit. The foliage is deciduous in winter and consists of elongated, glaucous green leaves with parallel veins. The flowering is early: in March, floral stems appear that will give flowers in April, in the middle of the season for dwarf irises, blooming from top to bottom. The colour of this plant is described precisely as follows: "the petals and style are buff; the sepals are identical, with veins of reddish purple at the level of the beards advancing to merge into a pink wash over most of the centre of the petal; white beards."

Dwarf irises are charming for adding colour and structure to the garden, especially in spring. They require a sunny location and well-drained soil to thrive. Avoid areas where water stagnates, as their rhizomes do not appreciate excessive moisture.

These little wonders are perfect for borders or the foreground of flower beds. Dwarf irises also blend well in rockeries or gravel gardens, thanks to their drought tolerance.

Dwarf irises go well with other plants that share their need for sun and well-drained soil. Small perennial plants like rock cress, creeping phlox, and sedums are good companions, as they complement irises in terms of texture and colour while covering the ground. Spring bulbs such as botanical tulips, spring crocuses, and grape hyacinths add animation. Small grasses like blue fescue can offer a contrast in texture and structure the space around the irises.

Remember to divide dwarf irises every 4-5 years to maintain their vigour and multiply them, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for many years.

Flowering

Flower colour multicoloured
Flowering time April
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 6 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 18 cm
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

pumila

Cultivar

Wee Harry

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Dwarf Iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Do you have a sunny, warm location, rather dry in summer?
This is the ideal location for planting irises! In the shade, they grow but do not bloom. They are hardy and do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect, even if it is rather dry and chalky. Soil that is too wet promotes rhizome rot. Plant from July to September. This allows the rhizomes enough time to grow and develop new roots before winter. They should be planted as soon as they are purchased for best results. Plan to divide irises every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They have vigorous growth and require space to develop and flower well. Planted with spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: about 34-50 cm for tall ones (5 to 10 plants per square metre). In a monochrome planting, the rhizomes are planted in a staggered pattern. To create a mix of colours, plant them in groups of several plants of the same variety. Always consider the direction of rhizome growth by arranging them in a star shape, with buds and leaves facing outward, and spacing them well away from other varieties so they have room to grow.

Planting

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough. Make a conical mound of soil in the hole, on which the rhizome and spreading roots are placed. Cover the roots. It is important for the rhizome to be left just above the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a dip (risk of rot), so anticipate that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clay or moist soil, the rhizome should even be raised on a slight mound of a few centimetres. To make the soil cling to the roots, lightly firm the soil and water abundantly immediately after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until the plant resumes growth.

Maintenance:

Keep the soil free of weeds by shallow hoeing, taking care not to damage the rhizomes or roots. Weeds shade the irises, retain moisture (causing rot), and attract slugs. Similarly, remove dry leaves. If they are diseased (reddish-bordered spots of heterosporiosis), burn them. Remove faded flowers.

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time February to March, July to October

Intended location

Suitable for Rockery
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Well-drained soil

Care

Pruning instructions Cut the flowering stems at the end of flowering.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time May
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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