Iris reticulata Orange Glow

The Iris reticulata 'Orange Glow' is a beautiful horticultural success, one of the first varieties of reticulated iris whose flowers reveal a touch of orange. The upright, pale yellow petals bear a wide black-brown stripe and rise above three pale yellow sepals with a white centre, maculated with apricot and dotted with black. This small bulbous plant blooms in late winter and is cultivated in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. A rare plant, almost impossible to find in France, but one that will seduce enthusiasts of curiosities!

The Iris Orange Glow is a horticultural hybrid variety resulting from the cross-breeding between an Iris reticulata and I. danfordiae (the diploid form), with yellow flowers. These plants are native to the Caucasus, and naturally grow in alpine meadows and rocky habitats (on limestone and gneiss-rich soil), between 1000 and 2500m (3281 and 8202ft) above sea level. Forming a small, erect and spreading clump of 15 cm (6in) in flower, this perennial extends indefinitely through the production of bulblets. The cultivar 'Orange Glow' blooms at the end of winter, when the days begin to lengthen, usually in February-March. Its solitary flowers, 5 to 6 cm (2in) in length, are relatively small for a reticulated iris, but clearly visible on the plant, and slightly fragrant. They are composed of spatulate tepals, the 3 upper ones narrow and upright, the 3 lower ones lanceolate, rounded, and punctate with black on a yellow and white background. An orange beard occupies the center of these 3 lower petals. Each flower is enclosed at the base in two scale-like bracts of a purplish green colour. The fruits are swollen capsules containing ovoid seeds. The foliage, short during flowering, lengthens afterwards. The basal leaves are glaucous green, quadrangular in section, sheathing at the base. They are deciduous and disappear in summer.

The reticulated iris is perfect in rockeries, borders, flower beds or even to decorate ephemeral flowering pots, to bring indoors and enjoy its fragrance up close. It pairs well with iris pumila, snowdrops which it succeeds, botanical crocuses, botanical narcissi, anemone blanda or Algerian iris. Let the bulbs naturalize, they will form beautiful clumps after a few years, announcing the return of spring. This plant adapts well to montane and dry climates in summer.