About
Iris danfordiae, the Danford iris, is a tiny, early-spring-flowering bulbous iris to only 10 cm tall, bearing a single, bright-yellow, scented flower with small brown-green speckles on the falls in late winter or early spring. The narrow leaves elongate after flowering. A delightful and very early bulb for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or container.
About the genus
Iris, the irises, are rhizomatous or bulbous perennials producing narrow, often sword-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with three large, spreading or pendent fall petals alternating with three erect standard petals. They flower from late winter to early summer in every colour of the rainbow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toTurkey
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in an open, sunny well-drained site. Produces many small bulblets and should be planted deeper than other Reticulata irises to maintain bulbs at flowering size
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or from offsets; see bulb propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases