Iris hollandica - Dutch iris

The Dutch Iris, Iris x hollandica, sometimes called Iris xiphium, is a perennial iris with a bulb as its storage organ, unlike Garden Iris which form large rhizomes on the surface of the soil.

Majestic in borders, it also provides excellent cut flowers. It is easy to grow in light soil. Planted in autumn, it will flower from April to June, depending on the variety, with large flowers, without beards, in varied and vibrant colours, such as the intense blue with yellow spot of Iris Blue Magic or the sparkling golden yellow of Golden Harvest. This iris grows between 40 and 70cm (16 and 28in) and has long, slender, linear foliage that remains evergreen in winter and often deciduous in summer. Its Mediterranean origins give it good adaptation to dry and hot summers. It is undemanding and dislikes heavy soils but naturalises in well-drained soil where it faithfully flowers every year. Plant it in groups of 10 or 20 in borders, rockeries, slopes... The effect is guaranteed!