Dwarf iris (netted iris) Iris reticulata
Dwarf iris (netted iris) (Iris reticulata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Rocky hills of Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran and Iraq. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 5–8 cm (2–3 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 7 cm (3 in) apart.
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Dwarf iris (netted iris) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 cm (2–3 in) |
| Spacing | 7 cm (3 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rocky hills of Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran and Iraq |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Dwarf iris (netted iris) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs
Iris bulbs and rhizomes contain irritant compounds: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dwarf iris (netted iris)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Dwarf iris (netted iris)
- How far apart should I plant Dwarf iris (netted iris)?
- About 7 cm (3 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 cm (2–3 in).
- Does Dwarf iris (netted iris) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dwarf iris (netted iris) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dwarf iris (netted iris)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Dwarf iris (netted iris) flower?
- From about February for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dwarf iris (netted iris) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Iris bulbs and rhizomes contain irritant compounds: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.
- What grows well with Dwarf iris (netted iris)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dwarf iris (netted iris). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Exquisite violet-blue or purple irises, marked with gold, only 10–15 cm tall, open in late winter before the leaves lengthen; the bulb has a net-like tunic. Needs sharp drainage and summer baking; ideal in pots and troughs.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora