Dwarf Iris Iris reticulata

‘Harmony’ is a dwarf iris cultivar of a reticulated iris, an erect, perennial bulb in the Iridaceae (iris) family. It is 5 to 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. The genus name Iris is shared by the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and is perhaps a nod to the wide variety of colors of flowers found in this genus. 

This iris grows best in full sun to partial shade. The fruit is a capsule, but as most irises, this plant reproduces better by division. The reticulate patterned bulbs divide into bulblets (offshoots) after blooms have faded and may be separated and replanted. When planting, bury bulbs to a depth of 5 inches to the base and space 1 inch apart with 40 to 80 bulbs per square foot. It tolerates summer drought but should be kept moist during the growing season. It is also deer tolerant and is less susceptible to the fungal, bacterial, and iris borer problems of other iris. 

This dwarf iris is good for use in borders, along walkways, ponds, and in rock gardens, and in riparian, naturalized, or woodland areas in mass plantings. It is often grown in containers to force early flowering. It is sometimes offered as a florist plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for slugs and snails

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Iris.