Iris reticulata Scent Sational

The Iris reticulata Scent Sational is a new variety of reticulated iris that stands out for its highly fragrant flowers. They also have delicate lines and a vibrant colour. Their blue-violet petals are highlighted by a yellow central signal that rests on a small white macule. This small iris is also a sturdy bulbous plant, perfectly hardy and carefree, offering a very early flowering, as early as the end of winter. This plant adapts well in borders as well as in containers. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soils, cool in winter and dry in summer.

The Iris reticulata is a perennial plant of the iris family, native to the mountains of the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. This iris is very hardy (down to -34°C (-29.2°F)) and easy to grow. 'Scent Sational', a fitting name for this fragrant variety, is a cultivar derived from this plant, obtained in 2009 in Canada. The plant develops from a storage organ, which is an elongated bulb 2 to 3 cm (1in) in height, covered with a white epidermis. It blooms from late February, or in March depending on the climate, before the foliage appears, making it precious 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 upright inner tepals, violet in colour, dominating 3 more horizontal outer tepals, marked with a golden yellow line, a white spot surrounded by small indigo streaks. They are highly fragrant. The foliage develops when the flowers fade, forming a tuft of narrow, stiff, and pointed leaves, up to 20 cm (8in) in height. It is at this point that the bulb divides into several bulblets, allowing the plant to colonize its environment.

The Iris reticulata Scent Sational can be cultivated in pots as well as in sunny borders or rockeries. Its only requirements are well-drained soil and a sunny exposure. It can be associated 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 mountain and Mediterranean climates.