Iris reticulata: planting, dividing and storing the bulb

Store	Bulb. Cut it in half: you see layers like an onion.
Depth	5-8 cm to the base of the bulb
Spacing	5-8 cm apart
When	Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. Work out your dates.
Pets	Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

Store

Bulb. Cut it in half: you see layers like an onion.

Depth

5-8 cm to the base of the bulb

Spacing

5-8 cm apart

When

Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. Work out your dates.

Pets

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

About Iris reticulata

Early dwarf irises from a netted bulb, which can split into small offsets that rarely flower.

Depth and spacing

Typical range: 5-8 cm deep and 5-8 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the bulb; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 6.5 cm deep and 6.5 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.

When to plant

Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.

Dividing and propagating

Lift in summer when the foliage has died and separate the offsets; replant in autumn.

Lifting and storing

Store dry and cool, or leave in place in well-drained soil.

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

The ASPCA lists Iris species as: toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Toxic principle: Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin). Signs: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes. If your pet has chewed any part, call your vet or an animal poison helpline. ASPCA entry.

Iris reticulata